Report No. 243

Shri D.V.K. Rao, Under Secretary, Ministry of Women & Child Development, Delhi:

On receipt of complaint, police should immediately register a FIR and conduct investigation into the matter. However, immediate arrest of husband should not be resorted to unless the alleged act of cruelty is prima facie very serious and calls for such arrest. Mediation and counseling process should be undertaken but the police should exercise restraint in making arrest of relatives.

It should remain non-bailable and non-compoundable. Appropriate reconciliation effort as a first step should be undertaken. Mediation should be done by trained professionals and should be completed within two months. Legal Services Authorities should play a more extensive role in facilitating the conciliation. Crime against women cell should be established in every District and should consist of personnel who have been trained and sensitized to deal with cases of violence against women.