Protection officers: HC gives govt 2nd deadline

AHMEDABAD: The state government has got another deadline, March 31, to implement the Gujarat high court order to appoint protection officers in each district for implementation of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act.
On February 22, 2013, the HC first directed the government to make regular appointment of protection officers so that they could facilitate the victims of domestic violence to get shelter and justice quickly.But till now, the appointments have not been made as the Gujarat Public Service commission (GPSC) could conduct only the written examination for more than 40 posts.
The issue arose after the HC took suo motu cognizance of a TOI report highlighting how a deserted woman in Ahmedabad, Afreen Pathan, did not get protection officer’s appointment for three months due to shortage of staff. The protection officers appointed then were also on contract basis and lowly paid. The HC had directed the government to make regular appointment of shelter officers, along with all office requirements.
Even after the HC directions, nothing changed and when Pathan went again for protection officer’s appointment, she was given another three months’ time. Advocate Hemang Shah brought it to the HC’s notice and the HC took up hearing on this issue again and kept on passing directions to expedite protection officers’ appointment.
In its order, the bench of former Chief Justice Bhaskar Bhattacharya and Justice J B Pardiwala lamented the suppression of women in our society and called for its abolition. It said, “The most effective way to fight violence against woman is a clear demonstration of political commitment by states, backed by action and resources. Increasing awareness to change attitudes and influence behaviour amongst people from all walks of life is essential to preventing and ending violence against women.”