‘Zero tolerance for domestic violence’

Courts must show zero tolerance to every form of domestic violence and decide all applications filed by women facing harassment from husbands or in-laws within 60 days, as mandated by the rules, said a report by a women's rights group — compiled after a survey conducted among women victims.

Courts must show zero tolerance to every form of domestic violence and decide all applications filed by women facing harassment from husbands or in-laws within 60 days, as mandated by the rules, said a report by a women's rights group — compiled after a survey conducted among women victims.

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“The judiciary, at all levels, must convey zero tolerance for all forms of domestic violence regardless of the perceived severity of the violence,” said a report by Lawyer’s Collective, released by Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir recently.

“While granting or denying relief, or in the procedures adopted under the Act, the judiciary must look deeper into the causes and consequences of violence,” the report said. “While the judicial system is generally weighed down by high pendency of cases, there is a particular urgency in adhering to deadlines in the Domestic Violence Act, if we are to ensure protection of women facing domestic violence.”

The Delhi High Court had, last week, issued a notice to the Centre, asking it to explain a certain dichotomy in the Act that prevents magistrates from exercising discretion to fast-track domestic violence cases, and wrap them up within two months.