A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court claiming that the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has been non-functional and inaccessible for an extended period. The plea calls for urgent judicial action to restore the operational and administrative capabilities of the DCW, which have reportedly become inactive due to executive negligence and a lack of leadership. Despite its mandate to safeguard women from various forms of harm, the DCW’s office was found closed and unmanned during regular hours, hindering the processing of grievances.
The petition, filed by advocate Satyam Singh Rajput, highlights the vacant Chairperson position at the DCW, resulting in a lack of leadership, direction, and accountability. This situation has led to a breakdown in essential programs like the family counseling unit, Helpdesk, Rape Crisis Cell, and Crisis Intervention Centers, depriving women of critical institutional support. The plea emphasizes that the State’s failure to address this institutional paralysis represents a significant constitutional shortcoming in fulfilling its obligations towards women.
The PIL also mentions that despite submitting detailed representations to the Delhi Chief Secretary and the Lieutenant Governor regarding the DCW’s non-functionality, no substantial remedial actions were taken. Consequently, the petitioner has resorted to seeking relief from the Delhi High Court. The petitioner requests immediate restoration of the DCW’s full operational capacity, appointment of necessary personnel, and filling of the vacant Chairperson position within a specified timeframe. Additionally, the PIL seeks public notification clarifying the DCW’s status and regular submission of compliance reports to the Delhi High Court.
