Gujarat High Court Seeks Fresh Inspection of Women’s Protection Homes, Next Hearing on December 2

The Gujarat High Court is examining conditions in women’s protection homes and child protection homes across the state, with the petitioner seeking fresh inspections to assess safety, infrastructure and rehabilitation facilities for residents.

During the hearing on Wednesday, the state government submitted an affidavit detailing compliance with the court’s earlier directions concerning women’s protection homes. The report covered facilities across 12 to 15 districts and stated that meetings with the District Collectors of all districts had been completed as directed by the court.

The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for December 2.

Petitioner Seeks Fresh Inspection of Protection Homes

The petitioner told the court that the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority had earlier been directed to conduct regular monthly visits to women’s protection homes.

The petitioner sought fresh inspections of all such facilities to assess their infrastructure, security arrangements and the steps taken to rehabilitate residents. The court was also urged to examine whether qualified teachers and adequate personnel were available to support women in rebuilding their lives.

The inspections are intended to assess whether the facilities are complying with the standards and safeguards laid down under earlier court directives.

Case Dates Back to Escape From Odhav Protection Home

The issue has been under judicial scrutiny since a Public Interest Litigation filed in 2014 following the escape of nine young women from the Odhav Women’s Protection Home.

The Gujarat High Court subsequently directed the state government to frame rules governing the functioning of women’s protection homes. The government later notified rules addressing residents’ rights, education, vocational training, food, clothing and psychological support.

Women Cannot Be Detained Against Their Will

Under the court-directed framework, an adult woman cannot be kept in a protection home against her will. If she seeks release, the prescribed legal process requires the Magistrate to order her immediate release, safeguarding her rights under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The rules also provide for educational opportunities for women expected to stay in these homes for more than a year. Arrangements may include admission to schools or colleges, distance learning and video conferencing.

Vocational Training and Counselling Mandated

The framework requires protection homes to provide computer education, skill development and vocational guidance to help residents become financially independent. The emphasis extends beyond routine domestic work to practical training that can improve their employment prospects.

Facilities must also provide nutritious food to pregnant women and mothers staying with their children, with dietary planning undertaken in consultation with health experts. Each resident must receive at least four sets of clothing and other essential items.

Regular psychological counselling by experienced female counsellors is another prescribed safeguard to support residents’ emotional and mental well-being.

State-Level Steering Committee Proposed

The rules provide for a 12-member State-Level Steering Committee chaired by the Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department.

The committee is to include representatives from the police and health departments, social work departments of Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and Gujarat University, District Legal Services Authorities, non-governmental organisations, a clinical psychologist and a retired judge.

The High Court’s next hearing on December 2 is expected to take forward the examination of the government’s compliance and the conditions in women’s protection homes across Gujarat.