Delhi govt plans night courts for victims of trafficking

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government plans to set up night courts to provide speedy justice to victims of trafficking and introduce corpus funds for their rehabilitation, besides several other initiatives under its proposed policy.

Under the draft policy on rehabilitation and combating trafficking of women and children, the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government has supported initiatives like video conferencing to facilitate victims to narrate their ordeal without being physically present in courts.

The policy, which has been put for comments from all stakeholders and departments, advocates review of the licensing mechanism of all massage parlours, bars and beauty parlours in the city.

It also talks about providing legal aid to rescued victims to come out against their violators.

The government has sought comments at wcd@nic, within 30 days on the draft policy, an official said, adding that it will be sent to the Cabinet later.

He added that considering the seriousness of the issue of trafficking, the government will have a "comprehensive" action plan covering all aspects, such as prevention, anti-trafficking, rescue, repatriation, health care, education and economic empowerment.

The proposed policy also identifies Delhi as a "destination area" for trafficking of women and children from various parts of the country and its neighbouring nations.

"The government will create funds/non-lapsable corpus funds for combating trafficking of women and children for their rehabilitation, repatriation, and for providing shelter and immediate relief to the victims of commercial sexual exploitation, including those housed in a protective home," the policy states.

The official said various committees at state and district levels will be formed, besides anti-trafficking squads in every district.

"The government has also decided that necessary legal reforms will be introduced to ensure effective and speedy justice by setting up night courts 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 the discharge of their duties in red light and high-risk areas," he said.

The policy also proposes setting up of family counselling centres in the high-risk areas along with making it mandatory to bring all child victims of trafficking into the mainstream.