Rajasthan: The Rajasthan Police has prepared a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which will now provide protection to married couples and those living in "close relationships" in case they fear threat from anyone. The SOP was issued by Additional Director General of Police (Civil Rights) Bhupendra Sahu.
The development comes after an August 2 order given by the Rajasthan High Court, Jaipur. The court, in its directive, had ordered the state to establish a framework for protecting such couples.
Rajasthan Police's SOP For Couples
According to the order, married couples and those living in close relationship in Rajasthan can file applications for protection themselves or through a representative or advocate. If they are under threat from anyone, they will submit a representation for protection to the designated nodal officer. The nodal officer is responsible for offering immediate interim relief to the victim couple on the basis of their complaint.
"Such couples can register a complaint by dialling 112, women helpline number 1090, state level WhatsApp helpline 8764871150, district level WhatsApp helpline and police control room numbers, email ID of the control room operated at the district level," ADGP said in a release, as reported by news agency PTI.
According to the SOP, "audio and video recording of the applicant's statements must be done under the surveillance of CCTV cameras." It also prescribes that if any such couples are in danger, the police will ensure their safety. In case the police is unable to provide security then the reasons will be stated clearly.
Last month, the Rajasthan high court directed the state government to improve the protection provided to individuals, especially the inter-caste couples, who face social opposition and threats to their life. This decision was taken during the hearing of a petition filed by a couple that complained facing threats post their marriage. Expressing concern over the frequency of such cases and the surge in petitions from couples seeking protection from police, a Jaipur bench of the high court asked the police authorities to provide enhanced protection to couples in the state.