New Delhi | June 5, 2025

In a decisive move to address systemic failures in the enforcement of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, the Supreme Court of India on Tuesday issued binding directions to all States and Union Territories, calling for urgent corrective measures to safeguard the rights of domestic violence survivors.

The Bench, led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Augustine George Masih, observed that despite the Act being in force for nearly two decades, critical gaps remain in the infrastructure and delivery mechanisms meant to protect women from abuse within households.

Key Directives from the Supreme Court:

 Full-Time Protection Officers Must Be Appointed

The Court stressed that Protection Officers (POs)—the frontline implementers of the law—must be appointed in every district and sub-division without delay. It criticized several States for appointing part-time officers or burdening POs with unrelated duties, which undermines their effectiveness.

 Legal Aid to Be Made Prompt and Practical

Reiterating that legal aid is not a privilege but a right, the Court directed all State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs) to ensure that victims of domestic violence receive timely and free legal assistance. The bench made it clear that legal support should be available from the moment a complaint is filed, in accordance with Sections 5 and 12 of the Act.

 One Stop Centres to Function Effectively

The Court mandated that all One Stop Centres (OSCs)—set up to provide medical, legal, and psychological assistance—must be fully operational. It directed States to review OSC functioning and ensure round-the-clock accessibility for women in crisis.

 Shelter Homes with Safe Facilities

States were also ordered to ensure the presence of designated shelter homes for women facing domestic abuse. These shelters must include safe lodging, proper sanitation, and child-care facilities, and must be run by trained staff.

 Public Awareness Campaigns a Legal Necessity

Recognizing that lack of awareness is a major barrier to justice, the Court instructed States and UTs to carry out targeted awareness campaigns through both traditional and digital media. Women, especially in rural and marginalized communities, must be made aware of the protections available under the DV Act.

Compliance and Monitoring

The Ministry of Women and Child Development has been asked to submit a compliance affidavit within six weeks, detailing steps taken by each State and UT to fulfil the Court’s directives. The Bench made it clear that any delay or non-compliance will attract serious consequences.

Court’s Observation

“Laws without enforcement mechanisms are meaningless. Women facing domestic violence deserve not just legal remedies, but also functional support systems to access them,” the Court noted.

The directions were issued during the hearing of a matter where multiple reports had highlighted poor implementation of the Act across several regions. The Court was particularly concerned with the non-appointment of POs, absence of shelter homes, and delays in providing legal aid.