In a stern directive, the Supreme Court of India has imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on several northeastern states for failing to implement key provisions of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. The court issued the order on February 19, 2025, while cautioning that the penalty would double with each subsequent failure to comply.
The ruling came during a hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) addressing the states’ delay in appointing protection officers and establishing necessary infrastructure to enforce the law effectively. The bench, led by Justice BV Nagarathna, expressed frustration over the lack of progress despite repeated reminders.
“Pay Rs 5,000 now. Next time, it will be doubled,” the court warned, emphasizing the urgency of ensuring support systems for victims of domestic violence. The northeastern states, including Assam, were pulled up for not adhering to the legal mandate, which requires the appointment of protection officers to assist survivors and the creation of shelter homes and service providers.
The PIL highlighted that the absence of these mechanisms has left many women in the region without adequate recourse to justice. The court directed the states to deposit the fine with the Supreme Court Legal Services Authority within two weeks and submit a compliance report by April 2025. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing after the deadline.
This development underscores the judiciary’s push to enforce laws aimed at safeguarding women’s rights, particularly in regions where implementation has lagged. The Supreme Court’s order serves as both a reprimand and a call to action for the northeastern states to prioritize the welfare of domestic violence survivors.
