From domestic violence to child custody, over 80 complaints heard at NCW’s Hyderabad public hearing

Chairperson of National Commission for Women, Vijaya Rahatkar addressing a press conference after a public hearing at the Tourism Plaza in Hyderabad on Monday.
| Photo Credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR

In an effort to make justice more accessible, the National Commission for Women (NCW) held a public hearing in Hyderabad on Monday, bringing grievance redressal closer to people’s doorsteps.

NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said that women’s complaints come from all sections of society, but not everyone can reach Delhi to seek help. To bridge this gap, the Commission has begun holding regular public hearings across different regions.

At Monday’s session in Hyderabad, 31 pre-registered cases were heard, and another 50 to 60 walk-in complaints were received. The grievances ranged from domestic violence, which made up a major chunk, to child custody disputes. In several cases, family members, including mothers-in-law and husbands, directly approached the Commission seeking urgent intervention.

Several complaints were also filed against police personnel, citing delays in action and incomplete reports. In response, the NCW chairperson explained that for every complaint, a detailed document was prepared in advance, and action taken reports (ATRs) from the police were requested. However, in some instances, those reports had not been provided.

Addressing the complexities of resolving domestic violence cases, Ms. Rahatkar pointed out that these matters often require a combination of counselling, mediation, and, when necessary, legal action, all of which take time. She reassured the public that steps had already been taken to provide immediate relief where possible.

Ms. Rahatkar also highlighted some unique complaints that surfaced during the hearing, such as one where a water supply dispute between neighbours, complicated by ongoing court cases, had disrupted daily life. While the Commission acknowledged that certain civil disputes fall under the judicial domain, it reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for women’s rights and welfare in every case where it is applicable.

In her remarks, the chairperson emphasized the need for greater awareness among women about the laws that protect them, urging them to understand and exercise their rights. “While women in India are making strides in education and employment, challenges to their safety and security remain. We have robust laws to safeguard women’s dignity and rights, and it’s crucial that women are well-informed about them,” she stated.

Looking ahead, the NCW plans to intensify its outreach efforts, with the chairperson committing to visiting at least four States every month to conduct public hearings and related programmes. In Telangana, public hearings are set to take place at least twice a year, alongside ongoing initiatives by the Commission.