Delhi HC Seeks Status Report From Govt. On Setting Up Special Cell For Honour Killing Victims, In Terms Of SC's Shakti Vahini Judgment

The Division Bench of Justice JR Midha and Justice Brijesh Sethi had earlier directed the Delhi Government to ensure that a Special Cell is put in place, if it has not been constituted as of yet, to consider the case of a victim of honour killing.

The order has come in a plea moved by Dhanak For Humanity, highlighting that despite the orders of the apex court in Shakti Vahini, no Special Cell has been constituted to cater to the needs of the victims of honour killing. In the said judgment, the Supreme Court directed the following:

1. The State Governments shall create Special Cells in every District comprising the Superintendent of Police, the District Social Welfare Officer and District Adi-Dravidar Welfare Officer to receive petitions/complaints of harassment of and threat to couples of inter-caste marriage.
2. These Special Cells shall create a 24 hour helpline to receive and register such complaints and to provide necessary assistance/advice and protection to the couple.

While highlighting the case of a person who has been directly affected by the non-compliance of the said directions, the Petitioner has argued that the 'arbitrary' and 'unconstitutional' action of the government has deprived, and continues to deprive, many persons of their fundamental rights under Article 14 and 21 of the Constitution.

'There's a deprivation of the right to equal protection of laws, life and personal liberty', the Petitioner has argued.

During the proceedings, Standing Counsel (Criminal) Rahul Mehra had informed the court that the Delhi Government is taking appropriate measures to comply with the directions passed in the Shakti Vahini case. Mr Mehra submitted that a status report in this regard will be filed on the next date of hearing.

The court will next take up the matter on September 14.

The Petitioner NGO in this case is being represented by Mr Utkarsh Singh.

Click Here To Download Order

[Read Order]