Domestic Violence Act: Decide on having protection officers in talukas, Bombay high court orders panel

Decide by February 17 on a proposal to appoint 2,164 protection officers across talukas in the state under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, the Bombay high court directed the high power committee of state’s women and child welfare department on Friday.

The court was hearing a PIL by activist Rajendra Anbhule, seeking implementation of a July 2010 order of the HC directing the state to appoint protection officers for each taluka.

The PIL says no appointment has been made till date. Under the DV Act, it’s must to appoint a protection officer to conduct inquiry into allegations of domestic violence and arrange for meetings, if needed, between the disputing parties.

The court was informed that the women and child welfare department has forwarded the proposal to the high power committee. As per the proposal, there will be one protection officer for two adjoining talukas.

Advocate Abinandan Vangyani said, “The proposal was sent to the committee in April 2013. Once the committee clears it, it will be sent to the finance department for budgetary clearance.”

The bench directed the committee to ensure that it considers and takes a decision on the proposal by February 17. If the proposal is sent to the finance department, the latter is expected to take four weeks.