TN promises district-wise protection officers

Chennai, Nov 21 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu Home Secretary today appeared before Madras High Court for a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking to appoint Protection Officers for speedy implementation of provisions of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act.

In pursuance of an earlier directive, Home Secretary Pavan Raina appeared before a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice A P Shah and Mr Justice K Chandru, in their chambers, and submitted that protection officers could be appointed district-wise.

However, Mr Krishnamoorthy, appearing for the petitioner, insisted that protection officers be appointed for all Judicial Magistrates and Metropolitan Magistrates.

The bench then posted further hearing after four weeks.

In its petition, Sweet Heart Movement for have-nots said everyday thousands and thousands of women were in distress without remedy and the act would provide speedy and efficient remedies. Though the act came into force from October 23, 2006, the State Government had not appointed any protection officer to enable that the act be immediately implemented and distressed women were relieved.

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