NEW DELHI, Feb 19: The Supreme Court on Tuesday criticized several states and union territories for failing to file status reports on the implementation of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. The bench, consisting of Justices B V Nagarathna and Prasanna B Varale, took note of the delay when the petitioner’s counsel pointed out that multiple states and UTs had not complied with the top court’s earlier direction.
The bench granted an additional four weeks for the states and UTs to submit their reports, but imposed a cost of Rs 5,000 to be paid to the Supreme Court Mediation Centre. The states and UTs that missed the deadline included Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Odisha, Telangana, West Bengal, and Assam. Additionally, the UTs of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Lakshadweep were also found to be non-compliant.
Justice Nagarathna warned that the cost would double if the status reports were not filed within the newly given timeline, which was set for March 25. The Supreme Court had previously issued a December 2, 2024 order directing the status reports concerning the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act. In January 2025, the Court had further extended the deadline to February 14.
The petition in question seeks better enforcement of the 2005 Act, including adequate appointments, notifications, the establishment of protection officers, service providers, and shelter homes as required by the law. It also calls for the initiation of awareness campaigns to address crime against women effectively. The Supreme Court has made it clear that the implementation of the law is not just the Centre’s responsibility, but also the obligation of state governments.
