New Delhi, Jan 30 (NationPress) A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been submitted to the Delhi High Court, claiming that the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has been ineffective and inaccessible for an extended duration, leading to ongoing violations of women’s constitutional and legal rights in the national capital.

The petition requests immediate judicial action to revive the physical and administrative operations of the DCW, which have reportedly become “operationally defunct” due to government inaction and lack of leadership.

The PIL asserts that despite the DCW’s legal responsibility to safeguard women from violence, abuse, exploitation, and discrimination, attempts to reach the Commission at its designated location during standard working hours have shown that the office was “closed and unmanned,” lacking any Helpdesk or personnel to receive or process complaints.

The petition, initiated by advocate Satyam Singh Rajput, claims that the position of Chairperson at the DCW has been vacant for a significant time, resulting in a total lack of leadership, administrative guidance, and accountability.

The petitioner argues that this organizational paralysis has triggered a domino effect, crippling crucial statutory programs such as the Sahyogini family counselling unit, the Helpdesk, the Rape Crisis Cell, and Crisis Intervention Centres, thus denying women immediate institutional assistance.

“The dysfunction of the Commission has led to a severe constitutional failure of the State in fulfilling its positive duties towards women,” the petition states, emphasizing that women-centric statutory bodies “must not be allowed to become dormant due to executive inaction.”

The PIL also mentions that comprehensive representations were made to the Delhi Chief Secretary and the Lieutenant Governor, highlighting the persistent dysfunctionality of the DCW and the profound constitutional repercussions that arise from it.

Yet, “despite the seriousness of the issues raised, no effective remedial actions were taken,” prompting the petitioner to turn to the Delhi High Court.

Seeking multiple forms of relief, the petitioner has requested directives for authorities to “swiftly restore and ensure complete physical and administrative operation” of the DCW, assign sufficient officers and staff, and appoint a new Chairperson within a specified timeline.

The PIL has further asked for the issuance of a public announcement clarifying the operational status and accessibility of the DCW, along with the submission of periodic compliance affidavits to the Delhi High Court detailing measures taken to ensure functional operation.