There is a need for a single, nationally recognised rule of law in matters pertaining to combating violence against women. At present, various arbitration bodies, many of them self-appointed, are interfering with proper legal processes and obstructing the path to justice.
These bodies, sometimes called “shalish committees,” comprise of local influential, religious, traditional and political leaders. These bodies do not have jurisdiction over serious crimes such as rape, but often deal with such matters. The government has no mechanism is place to monitor the activities of such local committees.
We need watchdogs and proper enforcement in place to stop these extra-judiciary bodies from forming and operating. There already exists a 2010 High Court directive to hold responsible those who impose and abet the imposition of extrajudicial punishment.
One of the problems in monitoring these bodies is that information about them comes only from union parishad and municipality members on a voluntary basis. Since the reporting of these matters is not mandatory, the practice continues unabated.
Innumerable cases of violence against women are not getting proper legal attention due to the interference of unsanctioned local arbitration bodies. We must protect the victims of violence, and extend the reach of the law of the land fully enough to bring to an end to this outmoded and illegal practice.