Delhi govt issues SOPs for protection of inter-faith, inter-caste couples from harassment

The Delhi authorities issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the protection of inter-faith and inter-caste couples from harassment and menace by establishing particular cells and 24-hour helpline numbers to handle their grievances and supply help and protection to the couples. “The Supreme Court in its judgment in a case titled Shakti Vahini Vs UOI had directed the state to create Special cells in each district comprising of the Superintendent of police, the District Social Welfare officers and District AdiDaridar welfare officer to obtain petitions/complaints of harassment and menace to couples of inter-caste/interfaith marriages. 

These particular cells shall create a 24-hour helpline to obtain and register such complaints and to offer obligatory help/recommendation and protection to the couple,” learn the notification by the Delhi authorities.

“Such safe house shall cater to accommodate (i) young bachelor/ bachelorette couples whose relationship is being opposed by their families/local community/Khaps and (ii) young married couples (of an inter-caste or inter-religious or any other marriages being opposed by their families local community/Khaps. Such safe house may be placed under the supervision of the jurisdictional District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police,” it mentioned. 

181 toll-free girls helpline, which is broadly circulated and common quantity among the many widespread public shall additionally function 24 hrs Helpline for the particular cells to obtain and register such complaints from inter-caste/interfaith married couples and to offer obligatory help/recommendation and protection to the couple.

On February 24, a Gujarat-based interfaith couple took shelter in Delhi because the nationwide capital applied the instructions of the Supreme Court within the ‘Shakti Vahini versus UOI’ case that pertains to offering shelter home to interfaith and inter-caste couples.

In September 2020, the Delhi authorities submitted earlier than the Delhi High Court that 15 particular cells will likely be arrange in each police district to take care of the menace to inter-caste marriage couples.

The Home Department of the Government of NCT of Delhi, in a standing report, submitted that it has issued an order dated August 28 constituting 15 committees of officers as District Special Cells, co-terminus with Police Districts in Delhi.

(With ANI inputs)

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