‘Consulting women on policy inputs, clearing backlog are priorities’

On clearing the backlog of around 2,000 cases

It is the most important task ahead of the Commission. We are conducting marathon hearings and the entire staff is working from 10 am to 8 pm. While earlier, hearings took place on a fortnightly basis, we trying to conduct as many hearings so that we can clear 25 cases a week.

Which section of women is the most vulnerable and what is your plan of action?

The unorganised labour class, which includes domestic workers, agricultural labourers and construction labourers. They are not covered under any government scheme nor provided any incentive by the government. Also, most crimes against them tend to go unreported. A mechanism needs to be put into place to organise them in some way.

Among the various crimes committed against women, where does the Commission need to focus the most?

Nearly 50 per cent of the complaints received by the Commission pertain to domestic violence and action is taken in most of them. However, cases of sexual harassment at the workplace are increasing and often remain under wraps. As per the Vishakha judgement of the Supreme Court, it is mandatory for each company to set up an internal committee that can receive such complaints and initiate action. We will also work on sensitisation of policemen in dealing with women who are victims of sexual assault. In all cases of sexual assault, an FIR should be filed immediately.

What about cases of domestic violence?

As per law, a woman who is a victim of domestic violence must get relief within 90 days of filing a complaint. This law is often not implemented. In fact, after a woman files a complaint, chances of her being being subjected to more domestic violence are higher. Our priority, therefore, is to ensure protection for the complainant.

Is manpower of 35 persons enough? Do you think the Commission should be given more powers to take action against the guilty?

We should start with what we have. We have proposed that the number of counsellors be increased from four to eight. Also, the Commission is a recommendatory body that uses the existing government departments and machinery to take action. It has the powers of a civil court — we can issue summons, conduct hearings and appoint fact-finding committees. The implementation of an order issued by the Commission depends on the extent to which a case is followed up by it.

Why has there been so little suo motu action by the Commission?

Our staff has been directed to scrutinise every media report and in reports of crimes against women, we will inform the government department concerned, get the required information from them and pursue the case independently.
2013 was a year that saw attacks against women in the city. Has Mumbai lost its tag of being a safe city for women?
Crimes against women can happen even in the safest cities in the world. Mumbai is still among the safest cities in the country. I was out on the streets on December 31 and saw that the police bandobast was exceptional.

The Aam Aadmi Party and the All India Democratic Women’s Association have opposed your appointment, citing a 2007 case — you allegedly derailed a case filed by a victim of sexual assault. How do you react to that?

None of the information given by them, or the allegations, is substantiated. The matter had gone to the High Court and the Supreme Court and was then closed.

stuti.shukla@expressindia.com