Nagpur.
The Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court on Wednesday sent notices to State Home Ministry, Director General of Police, Nagpur Commissioner of Police and directed them file their replies on the issue of setting up of independent Women Police Stations at district level. The Division Bench of Justice Bhushan Gavai and Justice V M Deshpande issued notices following filing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by social activist Nutan Revatkar on setting up of the independent Women Police Stations at district level. The PIL is aimed at curbing growing crimes against women and saving them from objectionable incidents during the complicated investigation process.
Adv Sameer Sonavane represented the petitioner.
Nutan Revatkar in her petition said that she had submitted a memorandum to Home Ministry in January 2010 itself demanding setting up of independent Women Police Stations. Letters in this connection were also sent to the Home Department in 2011 and 2012. On July 4, 2013, the Director General of Police was also sent a letter over the issue. At all levels, the petitioner was only assured of considering the demand. But till date, nothing has been done. The petitioner then sent a letter to High Court Registrar on October 9, 2013 for treating it as public interest issue. A reply on January 22, 2014 informed the petitioner that a letter to Chief Justice was sent for his knowledge in this regard. However, following no reply on the matter, a request was again made by sending a letter to the Chief Justice on August 4, 2914, the Rakshabandhan day.
30 percent women employees but not a single police station:
In Maharashtra, out of 2.06 police personnel, 17,549 are women personnel. It means, despite 30 percent women employees, there is not a single independent women police station. In today’s era, on one hand women are being given equal opportunities and respect. Even in the posts of President, Lok Sabha Speaker, Leader of Opposition and Judges, women are being honoured. On the other hand, incidents of women’s exploitation and rapes are growing, the petitioner said and stressed the need for setting up of women police stations at district level.
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