DELHI DOMESTIC WORKING WOMEN'S FORUM versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

DELHI DOMESTIC WORKING WOMEN'S FORUM versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

The Supreme Court held that in cases of sexual assault, victims require both rehabilitatory and compensatory justice, and directed the National Commission for Women to prepare a scheme for the same within six months, which the Union of India must then implement. The judgment set out broad parameters for assisting rape victims, including legal representation, police duties, anonymity, and compensation boards.

Parties
Petitioner: Delhi Domestic Working Women's Forum; Respondent: Union of India and Ors.
Jurisdiction
India
Judgment Date
19 October 1994
Procedural Posture
Writ Petition (criminal) No. 362 of 1993 / Final Disposition After Oral Arguments and Written Submissions
Outcome
Petition disposed of with directions.
Legal Topics
Rape, Sexual Assault, Victim Compensation, Criminal Procedure, Rehabilitation
Constitutional Law Criminal Law Human Rights Law Women's Rights Rape Sexual Assault Victim Compensation Criminal Procedure +1 more

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Parties

Delhi Domestic Working Women's Forum

Petitioner

Union of India and Ors.

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Writ Petition (criminal) No. 362 of 1993 / Final Disposition After Oral Arguments and Written Submissions

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Need for provision of rehabilitatory and compensatory justice for women victims of sexual assault
  2. 2 Role of National Commission for Women in drafting a scheme for victim assistance
  3. 3 Broad parameters for assisting victims of rape in criminal proceedings

Ratio Decidendi

The Supreme Court held that in cases of sexual assault, victims require both rehabilitatory and compensatory justice, and directed the National Commission for Women to prepare a scheme for the same within six months, which the Union of India must then implement. The judgment set out broad parameters for assisting rape victims, including legal representation, police duties, anonymity, and compensation boards.

Court Disposition

Petition disposed of with directions.

Orders

  • National Commission for Women to evolve a scheme for compensatory and rehabilitatory justice for victims of sexual assault within six months.
  • Union of India to examine and implement the scheme at the earliest.