Mitali Palnitkar
Published On: December 27, 2021 at 12:55 IST
A 3-member panel has been set up by the Chandigarh Administration for the protection of runaway couples.
The Punjab and Haryana Court was told by the Chandigarh Administration that a Committee has been set up to protect the runaway couples and consider the boarding and lodging charges for the longer stay of such couples. The Committee comprises of Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police and Director of Social Welfare. The information regarding food and lodging facilities for the runaway couples was submitted to the Court.
This was a resumed hearing of a Plea where the Court was monitoring the provision of facilities to the runaway couples in the states of Punjab and Haryana, and Union Territory of Chandigarh.
The Chandigarh Police informed the Court that one Constable will be present at the Protection Home for the security of the couples. The State Legal Services Authority, Chandigarh; has empanelled five Advocates who would be providing Legal Counselling to the couples.
Chandigarh’s Additional Public Prosecutor, J S Toor said to the Court, “Other facilities, such as Social Counselling, will also be provided to the couples, if required by the Social Welfare Department. Chandigarh Police has also made a standard operating procedure to deal with threat perception to the couples.”
The Anti-human trafficking unit has been established in Sector 17 to deal with such cases. An emergency number 112 has been dedicated for an emergency response, 24×7 helpline numbers have also been provided. The couples can raise their grievances on the website of Chandigarh Police where a link ‘Special Cell for Protection of Run Away Couples’ is provided.
Any FIR/Complaint registered related to Honour Killing, Caste or Religion related Violence would be investigated within a period of 60 to 90 days, an Investigation would be conducted.
The Court directed Chandigarh and the Administration of tricity towns to ensure that a standard procedure is followed by the religious for solemnizing a marriage. Proper records are to be maintained and Certificates to be issued to the couples.
On the direction of the Court, the Counsels of both Punjab and Haryana Administrations assured that cooperation would be extended towards sharing the accommodation in Protection Homes.
