Delhi government plans night courts for trafficking victims

The Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government has proposed to establish night courts to provide speedy justice to the victims of trafficking. The move has been proposed under its draft policy on rehabilitation and combating trafficking of women and children.

The AAP government has also proposed initiatives such as introducing corpus funds and enabling video conferencing to narrate their ordeal without having to be physically present in the court.

The said policy, at present, has been put forward for comments from the departments concerned and all stakeholders. The proposed draft aims at overhauling the licensing mechanism of all spa centres, massage parlours, beauty parlours and other such outlets in the city, which have come under the radar for trafficking.

The policy also takes in view providing legal aid to the rescued victims to come out against the violators.

The government's Social Welfare Department has also sought the opinion of the Women and Child Department on the draft to be submitted within 30 days.

"Once we receive suggestions and objections from all stakeholders, we will finalise the draft and send it to the Cabinet. The government is working on a comprehensive action plan considering the seriousness of the issue," said a senior government official.

The action plan against trafficking will cover all aspects, including rescue, prevention, repatriation, education, health care, and economic empowerment.

The draft policy has identified the national Capital as a "destination area" for trafficking of women and children from various parts of the country and its neighbouring countries such as Nepal.

"We also plan to have necessary legal reforms be introduced in the policy for ensuring effective and speedy justice in order to prevent keeping the victims in police custody at night. The policy will also ensure police protection of NGOs, social workers of the advisory board and government functionaries in red light and high-risk areas," the official said.

The policy also proposes setting up of family counselling centres in high-risk areas and red light districts.

The government will create corpus funds for providing shelter and immediate relief to the victims of commercial sexual exploitation, including those housed in a protective home, the proposal stated. Besides, committees at state and district level will be formed in every district to work along anti-trafficking squads.