DCW: Present plan for demolition on GB Road

The Delhi Commission for Women on Monday sent a notice to the commissioner of the North MCD to provide the action plan and timeline for demolition of illegal structures including tehkhanas or hidden cells in brothels of G.B. Road. The commission has also asked for the ownership record, house tax record, receipts and other relevant records for ascertaining the ownership of the brothels.

“Noting the urgency of the matter, please provide the above sought information within 48 hours of receipt of this communication,” the DCW said in a statement.

The DCW said that it has made several visits and inspections to the brothels at G.B. Road over the past one year. “The commission has been appalled to note the presence of several illegal structures within the brothels which include tehkhanas — hidden cells that are often used by brothel owners to hide trafficked girls. The commission has been repeatedly requesting North MCD to demolish the tehkhanas within the brothels and provide ownership details of the brothels, yet the same has not happened till date,” it said.

It also said that the Delhi Commission for Women Act, 1994 mandates it to investigate and examine all matters relating to the safeguards provided for women under the constitution and give recommendations to the Government on the issue of women safety under Section 10(i) (a,b,c). Also, Section 10(iii) of the Act empowers the Commission with powers of a Civil Court.

Meanwhile, the Delhi high court asked the police to reply to a plea by the DCW for quashing of an FIR lodged against its chief Swati Maliwal for allegedly revealing the identity of a 14-year-old dalit rape victim who had succumbed to her injuries.

Justice A.K. Pathak also asked the police to respond to the plea which has urged it to form a special investigation team to investigate the case, while criticising the way the Delhi police has been handling the matter.

During the hearing, the bench asked senior advocate R.S. Cheema, appearing for the DCW, as to how the commission could approach the court for quashing of an FIR lodged against its chief.

“How can the DCW file the petition for quashing of an FIR. The FIR was lodged against an individual, who should have moved the court in individual capacity. She (Ms Maliwal) should have filed a separate petition,” the judge said.