"NALSA successful since no political intervention:" Supreme Court seeks details of domestic violence cases

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to submit an affidavit showing the number of cases that have been initiated and are pending under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act [We the Women of India v. Union of India and ors.].A Bench of Justices UU Lalit, Ravindra Bhat and PS Narasimha also sought details of cases in which benefit of service providers and shelters have been extended to victims. The Court further directed the Central government to inform it on the steps taken with regard to Project Shakti under the Ministry of Women and Child Development as well as other programs that are being contemplated by the Ministry of Law and Justice..The Court orally commented on the ground-level working of the domestic violence regime and the failure of the system. "Look at the scenario where exactly it is and at the ground level, everything is missing and there appears to be a complete failure. The legislation is fine, but the promises are not reality," Justice Lalit remarked. .Justice Lalit also contemplated the plan which will be executed by the NALSA in near future regarding the welfare and legal aid for the victims of domestic violence. "There must be a contact point for the victim to approach or the concerned persons to approach the victim, and then there must be another network for the legal assistance/legal advice and that must be available even on mobile phone. This is what the proposal is and we [NALSA] will start it soon. In every district level, there must be a para volunteer who will work as a protection assistant. One person will also be available, she must be a lady. Probably an angadwadi worker. Such process must begin at district level". .The Bench commended the work done by NALSA and attributed its success to the non-involvement of Central or State governments. "NALSA is working because there is no State/Central government intervention. The programs other than NALSA which are handled by others always have political color to it, which is unfortunate", Justice Lalit said. Justice Lalit opined that NALSA is working smoothly and has built a network across the country because there is no involvement political parties. "There is no political colour in the working of the NALSA," Justice Lalit orally remarked. .The Supreme Court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) petition, filed by an NGO called 'We the Women of India', seeking efficient welfare mechanisms and legal aid for the survivors of domestic violence, as well as compensation for women protection officers. .Advocate Shobha Gupta, appearing on behalf of the petitioners, submitted that the main prayer in the petition is for establishing an Informed Assistance Network inclusive of protection officers, service providers, shelter homes and medical facilities.She further submitted that even though two helpline numbers exist, 15100 (National Legal Aid) and 181 (Women's Helpline), they are not available across the board. Upon hearing this submission, the Bench opined that a one-stop solution is necessary to address the issue. .The Court recorded the submissions made by Additional Solicitor General of India Aishwarya Bhati that certain projects named project shakti which is being contemplated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development have received Cabinet approval and a formalised version will be accepted shortly.Bhati also submitted that other projects under the Ministry of Law and Justice are under serious contemplation..The matter will be heard again after summer vacations in the second week of July. .[Read the live reportage of the proceedings]