New Delhi, 18 February (H.S.): The Delhi High Court sought an explanation from the Delhi government on Wednesday regarding the prolonged non-functioning of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) and the vacancy in the chairperson's position since January 2024.A bench presided over by Chief Justice DK Upadhyay scheduled the next hearing for February 25.

During the hearing, the court expressed deep concern over the commission's extended dormancy. Advocate Satyam Singh Rajput, representing the petitioner, pointed out that despite Delhi's Chief Minister being a woman, the DCW remains non-operational amid rising crimes against women, questioning how the chairperson's post could be left vacant.

RJD MP Sudhakar Singh's petition highlights that no work occurs at the DCW, with no functional help desk, officers, or staff to address women's complaints. It notes the commission remains closed during working days, leading to the complete collapse of family counseling and rape crisis cells.

The plea argues this non-functioning violates women's constitutional rights to justice and security under Articles 14, 15(3), and 21, especially as Delhi records the highest nationwide crimes against women. It demands judicial intervention to restore the DCW within a fixed timeframe, immediately fill the chairperson vacancy, and appoint adequate staff for complaint resolution.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar