COVID-19 lockdown effect: J&K sees rise in domestic violence against women

J&K HC takes suo-moto cognizance of the negative impact of lockdown on women, directs subordinate courts to treat cases of domestic abuse as urgent

Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Saturday ordered the courts to treat cases of domestic abuse as urgent and proceed with the matters in accordance with the circulars issued regarding the procedure to be followed to ensure social distancing.

Taking a suo-moto notice of the negative impact of lockdown imposed due to COVID-19 pandemic on women and girls, a Coram consisting of Chief Justice, Justice Geeta Mittal and Justice Rajnesh Oswal today heard the case from their respective residences through video conferencing.

The Court highlighted the point that globally it has been observed that the adverse social and economic consequences of the pandemic for women and girls are devastating. The HC issued notices to J&K government and asked it to submit a report with regard to the steps taken regarding domestic or any other kind of violence being faced by women on account of the implementation of the COVID-19 lockdown.

The Court also directed concerned officials to examine remedial measures taken by various countries in this regard and a view be taken with regard to the requirements and steps to be taken to mitigate the sufferings of the victims of domestic violence in the twin Union Territories.

The Court directed that a report of the measures in place, steps underway and those contemplated be placed before it before the next date.

Furthermore, the Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Authority has been directed to call for a list of all cases involving cases of domestic violence which are pending as complaints with the police stations in the Union Territories or in the courts and ascertain the safety and well-being of the complainants.