Sambalpur, Mar, 20:The National and State Women’s Commissions conducted hearings on Tuesday regarding cases of violence against women, violation of women’s rights, and other women welfare-related complaints from Sambalpur, Bargarh, and Jharsuguda districts.
The hearing was organized under the supervision of Odisha State Commission for Women Chairperson Shobhana Mohanty. A total of 65 complaints were registered, out of which 49 cases were heard.
After the hearing, Chairperson Mrs. Mohanty stated that many women are deprived of justice for various reasons. Therefore, from the 6th of this month, a special outreach campaign has been launched to resolve disputes through free public hearings near their homes. Under this initiative, hearings are being conducted in every district on issues ranging from domestic violence to women’s welfare.
The Commission is also developing a mobile app, through which complainants will be able to directly register their complaints from anywhere. The Commission will examine the complaints and provide immediate police or legal assistance. In cases of crimes against women, if the complainant wishes, the Commission will provide free counseling or legal aid instead of directly approaching the court.
Today, 65 cases from three districts were registered. The complaints included domestic violence, dowry harassment, property disputes, workplace harassment, cybercrime, cheating on the pretext of marriage, marital disputes, and other issues.
Where necessary, both parties were called for settlement efforts. In cases related to rape, kidnapping, dowry harassment, or domestic violence, the Commission has sought charge sheets from the police. Progress of such cases will be reviewed at the district level. If cases have already gone to court, appropriate directions will be issued.
During today’s hearing:
Both parties were present in 30 cases.
6 cases were resolved.
6 cases were referred to the Superintendent of Police.
1 case was referred to the District Legal Services Authority.
Notices were issued in 8 cases for reappearance before the Commission.
9 cases were closed as they are sub judice in court.
Commission Member Mukta Sahu, Sambalpur District Social Welfare Officer Saroja Behera, Bargarh District Social Welfare Officer Sandhyarani Nepak, Sambalpur District Protection Officer Sarita Das, Bargarh District Protection Officer Mangalika Das, Sambalpur DSP Topan Bag and Manisha Bara, Bargarh DSP Sumanta Kishan, Sambalpur District Public Relations Officer Samyukta Kulu, and Sakhi One-Stop Centre Superintendent Manaswini Dora were present at the public hearing.
The Commission’s Legal Assistant Aravinda Pattnaik, counselors Bandana Pattnaik and Priyadarshini Acharya, Trilochan Nayak, Chittaranjan Sahu, and others assisted in conducting the camp.
Leave a Reply