The High Court has directed the Director of the Social Welfare Department to appear in person if a detailed affidavit regarding the establishment of shelter homes for destitute women across Jammu and Kashmir is not submitted by the next hearing.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice M.A. Chowdhary issued the order while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Mehram Women Cell Kashmir. The petition seeks the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act, 2005, which mandates the establishment of shelter homes for women in distress.
Previously, the court had granted the government four weeks to respond to concerns raised by the petitioner over an “inadequate” status report submitted by the authorities. However, the required detailed affidavit had not been filed by the given deadline.
During the latest hearing, the court reiterated its directive, warning that failure to comply would require the Director of Social Welfare to be present in person on the next date of hearing.
“Faheem Nissar Shah, GA, seeks and is granted further one week’s time as a final opportunity, failing which the Director of Social Welfare shall appear in person on the next date of hearing. List again on 16-04-2025,” the Division Bench ordered.
The case underscores the urgency of ensuring adequate infrastructure and resources for implementing the Domestic Violence Act, 2005, across Jammu and Kashmir.
