GUWAHATI: The Supreme Court reprimanded several states and union territories, including Assam and other Northeastern states on Tuesday, February 18, for failing to submit status reports on the implementation of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. Despite previous directives, multiple regions have yet to comply, prompting the court to impose a financial penalty and extend the deadline by four weeks.
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During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel highlighted the non-compliance of several states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Assam. The Supreme Court, expressing its dissatisfaction, directed the defaulters to pay ₹5,000 to the Supreme Court Mediation Centre as a precondition for filing the overdue reports. The union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Lakshadweep were also among those identified for non-compliance.
One of the presiding judges warned, stating, “Pay cost of ₹5,000 and file it. If you don’t file it, next time it will double.”
The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 25, where it expects to review the pending reports and assess the progress made in enforcing the act.
The case originates from a petition seeking stricter enforcement of the 2005 law, which aims to safeguard women from domestic violence. It also calls for the appointment of protection officers, the establishment of service providers and shelter homes, and the initiation of awareness campaigns to combat crimes against women.
