Standing Order No. 281 Special Police Unit For Women ... - Nipsa
Standing Order No. 281 Special Police Unit For Women ... - Nipsa
Standing Order No. 281 Special Police Unit For Women ... - Nipsa
281
Special Police Unit for Women and Children
INTRODUCTION
A special police unit exclusively dealing with the Women and Children issues vis a vis
police, is functioning at Nanakpura, New Delhi. SPUWC has two divisions, namely Women
Cell & Juvenile Cell. The Women Cell of the unit has a primary function of enquiring and
investigation into the complaints of Crime Against Women.
In view of the increasing need to give special consideration to children the charter of the
Unit has been further expanded, making it the nodal unit of Delhi Police for co-ordinating
issues of children and juveniles both victims as well as offenders and upgrade role of police
on all issues pertaining to care and protection of children or juveniles under the Juvenile
Justice Act. Primarily engaged in reconciliation and amicable out of court settlement in
marital discords has undertaken a variety of activities to help, guide and empower & equip
women with facing violence, harassment etc. The role of police officers in the Women Cell is
different to the extent that it deals with women complainants and aids in their support and
defence, as a protection from the violence, both physical and mental. Thus, keeping in view
the extended role the Crime Women Cell has been renamed as “Special Police Unit for
Women and Children”.
This unit is headed by a Joint Commissioner of Police, assisted by the Deputy Commissioner
of Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police and other staff.
Women Cell:
i. Enquires/reconciliation
Pursuant to directions given by the Honb’le High Court of Delhi in case of Chander
Bhan Vs State, the Commissioner of Police, Delhi vide Standing Order No. 330/2007
had already issued guidelines for arrest in dowry cases registered under sections
498A/406 IPC and the said guidelines should be followed by the Delhi Police strictly
and scrupulously. (i) No case under Section 498-A/406 IPC should be registered
without the prior approval of DCP/ Addl.DCP. (ii) Arrest of main accused should be
made only after thorough investigation has been conducted and with the prior
approval of ACP/DCP. (iii) Arrest of the collateral accused such as father-in –law,
mother-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law etc should only be made after prior
approval of DCP on file. (b) Police should also depute a well trained and a well
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behaved staff in all the Crime Against Women Cells especially the lady officers, all
well equipped with the abilities of perseverance, persuasion, patience and
forbearance. (c) FIR in such cases should not be registered in a routine manner. (d)
The endeavour of the Police should be to scrutinize complaints very carefully and
then register FIR. (e) The FIR should be registered only against those persons against
whom there are strong allegations of causing any kind of physical or mental cruelty
as well as breach of trust. (f) All possible efforts should be made, before
recommending registration of any FIR, for reconciliation and in case it is found that
there is no possibility of settlement, then necessary steps in the first instance be
taken to ensure return of stridhan and dowry articles etc. by the accused party to the
complainant.
The objective of this mediation cell is to give a platform to warring parties to settle their
differences through the intervention of trained mediators. A mediation Cell of the Delhi
High Court Legal Services Authority is also running in the CWC premises. The objective of
this mediation cell is to give a platform to warring parties to settle their differences
through the intervention of trained mediators with an objective of reducing the
litigation and offering solutions outside the court. This unit is headed by an Assistant
Commissioner of Police and assisted by other officers. Other districts can also refer the
cases to this mediation cell by forwarding a copy of complaint with a consent form
signed by both the parties giving their willingness for opting for mediation.
To increase the accessibility of Delhi Police to the women Crimes against Women
Cell started a 24 hour women helpline.
a. Domestic Violence
c. Self-Defence Training
The endeavour of this project was to empower women by teaching them simple
self defence techniques so that they need not feel vulnerable in every
threatening situation till police help arrives. The self defence Unit is headed by an
Assistant Commissioner of Police and assisted by other officers. Periodic in-house
programmes are held by this unit and it has an outreach programs in various
schools and colleges also.
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d. Women empowerment programme
v. Trainings/Capacity Building
Pursuant to its mandate on women and children, the Special Police Unit for Women and
Children has been conducting various training/ workshops to police personnel on
In this endeavour to impart professional training to the police personnel various agencies
like DLSA, NCW, DCW, TISS, Jamia University, NIPCCED and other NGOs have come forward
with their professional resource persons as well as resources. The purpose is to facilitate
understanding of gender and related issues, including gender dimensions of laws relating to
women; to build capacity of the police personnel to deal with offences against women; to
build investigation skills/ procedures thus making police organization more effective in
protecting the human rights/ constitutional rights of the women.
Juvenile Section:
i. The Juvenile Justice Unit aims at ensuring capacity building of the police
personnel for the effective implementation of the Act and realization of the
Juvenile Justice System in the capital city. The unit organises and coordinates
sensitization cum orientation and training programme for police personnel at
police station levels and at district level for the SJPUs.
ii. The Juvenile Unit will have monthly meeting with the districts SJPUs to
coordinate police efforts especially in regards to Children in Need of Care and
Protection, to guide and monitor the functioning of the Juvenile welfare officers.
HELPLINE
i. Procedure
The helpline number, 1091, is managed by the Police Control Room which
receives and manages all calls for police help. A Women Police mobile team
headed by a women upper subordinate officer is available round the clock at the
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Crimes against Women Cell to attend to distress calls received through the
helpline or directly in the Cell. Helpline team will visit to place of occurrence for
further necessary action. Women Officer have to submit her enquiry report to
concerned officer and the same will be cross checked by the senior officers.
Women Helpline Mobile team consists one upper subordinate women officer &
one lower subordinate women officer alongwith PCR Staff. The team works 24
hours in two shifts and their duty hours are 8 AM to 8 PM & 8 PM to 8 AM.
A weekly and monthly report of received calls and their status report should be
produced before senior officers.
i. Computerisation
File kept in Record Room which is supervised by one police officer and records of
computerised files are kept in computer server. File can be retrieve only by the
permission of DCP/CWC.
RECONCILIATION/COUNSELLING
i. Authorisation/decision
E.O. proceedings checked day by day by concerned ACP, once in month by DCP.
Time limit to precede a complaint is three months.
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Final order is taken by DCP/CWC. It could be Closure, settlement, pending Or
Registration of case.
MEDIATION
Counselling
REGISTRATION OF CASES
i. Investigation
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MULTI TASKING
DCP/CWC
ACsP
i. ACP/Juvenile
ii. ACP/Training
iii. ACP/Enquiries
iv. ACP/Co-ordination
v. ACP/Headquarters
GENERAL
Crime (Women) Cell Police Station has been set up in the Special Police Unit for Women and
Children vide notification F. No.1/16/2007/HP-1/Estt:7607, for the registration and
investigation of cases relating to the matrimonial disputes i.e., torture, harassment for the
sake of dowry demand and related cases, cases of rape, attempt to rape, molestation,
sexual harassment etc. requiring specialized investigation.
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conduct enquiry into a complaint, counselling and guidance to victims of violence and
investigation of cases besides overseeing/ guiding/monitoring the functioning of branches
like Malkhana, records, service of summons/warrants, functioning of reporting room and
lock up etc.
The officer will work five days a week and will take turns to look after the Police
Station on weekends. Thus, while SHO will be responsible for overall functioning of Police
Station, she would take off on the week ends, the Police Station will be looked after by the
Inspector helpline on one weekend and the Inspector Investigation on the other.
i) The setting up of Special Police Unit for Women and Children in no way dilutes the
responsibility of the local police to initiate action whenever a woman victim of crime
or child in need of care & protection including juvenile approaches them for
assistance. They will continue to register and investigate all cases up to the time it is
transferred to the Special Police Unit for Women and Children and will later also
extend all necessary to help to the officers of the cell for successful investigation and
prosecution.
ii) They will provide all psychological and legal help to the women victim.
ii. Contact the complainant of the case and record her/his statement u/s 161 Cr.PC.
iv. Proof of residence of the complainant must be obtained and placed on the file.
v. The proof of marriage be obtained and placed on the file i.e. marriage certificate,
marriage invitation card, photographs & VCD etc.
vii. List of dowry articles given at the time of marriage be obtained. Bill/cash memos
in support of the said articles be procured and placed on file. Statements of
jewellers/furniture/household retailers be recorded and they be cited as PWs.
viii. In cases where the complainant claim huge amount spent on the marriage
ceremony the source of money be verified whether the money was withdraw
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from bank or lend by some relative, if so, their statements be recorded and they
be cited as PWs.
ix. Collect the birth certificate/school certificate of child/children, if any, out of the
wedlock.
xi. If there is any medical certificate w.e.t. torture/physical harassment, collect the
same & place it on record.
xii. Collect the telephone call details which the complainant made during the time of
the aforesaid harassment & torture.
xiii. Seize the letters send by the complainant to her parents/relatives regarding the
said harassment and demand of dowry.
xv. Collect the copy of Panchayatnama/agreement if any and place the same on
record.
xvi. If some suit/complaint is pending before any court, collect a copy of the same
and place on record along with relevant orders of the court.
xix. Verify the active role of each person alleged with harassment & cruelty.
xx. During the course of investigation if any other offence is made out, add the
relevant section of law and the same be brought to the knowledge of the seniors.
xxi. If there is any apprehension that the accused person will leave India, his LOC may
be opened.
After collecting sufficient evidences against the accused person, the guidelines of
Supreme Court/ High Court and SO No. 330/07 must be followed while arresting
a person under the provisions of the law Prior approval of the senior officers
must be obtained before arresting the accused person/persons. The arrestee
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should be intimated about the grounds of arrest. He/she should be informed
about his rights at the time of arrest. It is not necessary that all the accused
persons are arrested. When sufficient evidences are not there against the alleged
persons, we can keep their names in column number 2 of the report made u/s
173 CrPC.
The IOs must maintain the Guard File according to a specimen proforma.
All the 11 District Women Cells report and maintain close liaison with the Deputy
Commissioner of Police and Joint Commissioner of Police, Special Police Unit for Women
and Children, Nanak Pura, New Delhi. They shall instantly intimate to (Women) Cell, Nanak
Pura, New Delhi regarding the atrocious incidents of violence against women, related to eve
teasing, domestic violence, burning, rape and dowry related murder etc. they shall also
ensure that the recommendations of registration of cases send by the CWCC Unit are
promptly attended by the concerned Police Station.
In selected cases, personnel of District Women Cells will make enquiries into
the complaints and take up investigations on the direction of Additional Deputy
Commissioner of Police of District. They will furnish periodic progress reports in respect of
cases being dealt by them to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, (Women) Cell, Nanak Pura,
New Delhi. They will ensure proper enquiry and handling of complaints and investigation as
per the established procedure of the CWC, Nanakpura.
Dy. Commissioner of Police, Special Police Unit for Women and Children,
Nanak Pura, New Delhi shall hold a monthly meeting with the Additional DCsP/Incharge
Special Police Unit for Women and Children for better co-ordination, uniform handling of
complaints and case and discussion of important cases as well as over all functioning of
District Women Cells.
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ii) The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Police Unit for Women and
Children, Nanak Pura, New Delhi may suo moto take up any case/complaint
for investigation on being satisfied that there are grounds for doing so.
Distt.-Women /Juvenile
_________________*******____________________
The endeavour of the Special Police Unit for Women and Children is to promote gender
equality within as well as outside the force by focusing on issues like harassment including
sexual harassment, cruelty, violence, discrimination, female foeticide; in order to create and
ensure a safe environment for the women and children in Delhi and to promote community
partnership through programs like PARIVARTAN in whole of Delhi with focus on -
with an aim that the community outreach programs reach all the schools and colleges and
the community at large in addition to the police personnel within the force in Delhi for
creating awareness about women’s legal rights, remedies available, creating self help group
at micro levels and increasing interaction with police so that we become easily available and
accessible to all women and children in need of care and protection.
Women Cell
The Special Police Unit for Women and Children has been providing counselling to the
victims of domestic violence in addition to offering a single window redressal for the women
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victim. In case of domestic violence, counselling of families became an essential part of the
functioning of these cells. Counselling is the first response of the Crimes against Women
Cells in domestic matters. Many families in India still continue to live as joint families and
counselling often involves other members of the family besides the immediate protagonists.
The aim of counselling continues to be to remove irritants in the marriage, to prevent abuse
or to ensure that there is no further abuse, and to secure the position of the woman in the
marriage. Although this was informal at first, and resented by many as not a police role, it is
now a sanctioned activity with staff being trained for the purpose and receiving support
from social workers and recognized nongovernmental agencies. As a result of this, in many
cases a compromise/ settlements could be arrived at between the families thus helping the
women in continuing with her life without violence and threats. It is recognized here that
when a women seeks help in CAW cell, it is not always to criminalize the behaviour of
abuser but to renegotiate the relationship without violence. The women cells then act as
mediators in this endeavour by creating a supportive environ.
The Crimes Against Women Cell also provides non-police services to women
complainants. Through liaison with psychological and legal counselling services they are in a
position to provide counselling and free legal advice to needy complainants with the help of
reputed NGOs.
In the case of Chander Bhan vs, State1, the Delhi High Court gave broad guidelines and
directions in such matters (498a, 406 of the IPC) in order to salvage and save the institution
of marriage and matrimonial homes of the couple. The guidelines given below will be
followed:
Police Authorities: (a) Pursuant to directions given by the Honb’le High Court of Delhi in
case of Chander Bhan Vs State, the Commissioner of Police, Delhi vide Standing Order No.
330/2007 had already issued guidelines for arrest in dowry cases registered under sections
498A/406 IPC and the said guidelines should be followed by the Delhi Police strictly and
scrupulously. (i) No case under Section 498-A/406 IPC should be registered without the prior
approval of DCP/ Addl DCP. (ii) Arrest of main accused should be made only after thorough
investigation has been conducyed and with the prior approval of ACP/DCP. (iii) Arrest of the
collateral accused such as father-in –law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law etc
should only be made after prior approval of DCP on file. (b) police should also depute a well
trained and a well behaved staff in all the Crime Against Women Cells especially the lady
officers, all well equipped with the abilities of perseverance, persuasion, patience and
forbearance. (c) FIR in such cases should not be registered in a routine manner. (d) The
endeavour of the Police should be to scrutinize complaints very carefully and then register
FIR. (e) The FIR should be registered only against those persons against whom there are
strong allegations of causing any kind of physical or mental cruelty as well as breach of trust.
(f) All possible efforts should be made, before recommending registration of any FIR, for
reconciliation and in case it is found that there is no possibility of settlement, then
necessary steps in the first instance be taken to ensure return of stridhan and dowry articles
etc. by the accused party to the complainant.
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The Complaint Handling Unit is headed by Assistant Commissioner of Police and
assisted by Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors of police. The process of complaint handling
is………………
The need for a multi professional approach to victims of crime has been recognized from the
very inception of the Special Police Unit for Women and Children. Crisis Invervention
Centres have been set up in the districts to assist the women victim of rape or sexual abuse
in all the districts of Delhi. This is being supervised by the centralized cell at Nanakpura. As
soon as a case of this nature is reported, professional help is provided to the victim be it the
psychological, social, medical, legal through these cells with an objective of rehabilitation of
the victim and to prevent any secondary victimization in the criminal justice system from the
investigation to trial stage. Monthly meeting of all the districts is taken by the DCP/CWC to
review the functioning of these Crisis Intervention Centres.
To increase the accessibility of Delhi Police to the women Crimes against Women Cell
started a 24 hour women helpline in the year 2002, that responds to callers in distress. The
helpline number, 1091, is managed by the Police Control Room which receives and manages
all calls for police help. A Women Police mobile team headed by a women officer is available
round the clock at the Crimes against Women Cell to attend to distress calls received
through the helpline or directly in the Cell. The staff receives continued training in dealing
with distress calls, and are equipped both to initiate criminal action and to provide
counselling and other assistance. The team also provides links to emergency support
services such as shelters and short stay homes, besides offering on the spot counselling and
legal advice in needy
4. Domestic Violence
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Police officer to render all necessary help at the request of PO in recording DIR. The
police will assist the PO in confiscating the weapon used by respondent in domestic violence
and shall make safety plan in consultation with the complainant. The officer in charge on
directions of the court shall give protection to the aggrieved person or assist her or person
making an application on behalf of her in the implementation order. The police will deal
with breach of a protection order or an interim protection order as a cognizance offence
and to assist PO in rescue of aggrieved person in case of a breach of protection order.
5. Self-Defence Training
The endeavour of this project was to empower women by teaching them simple self
defence techniques so that they need not feel vulnerable in every threatening situation till
police help arrives. The self defence Unit is headed by an Assistant Commissioner of Police
and assisted by other officers. Periodic in-house programmes are held by this unit and it has
an outreach programs in various schools and colleges also.
6. Training
Pursuant to its mandate on women and children, the Special Police Unit for Women and
Children has been conducting various training/ workshops to police personnel on
In this endeavour to impart professional training to the police personnel various agencies
like DLSA, NCW, DCW, TISS, Jamia University, NIPCCED and other NGOs have come forward
with their professional resource persons as well as resources. The purpose is to facilitate
understanding of gender and related issues, including gender dimensions of laws relating to
women; to build capacity of the police personnel to deal with offences against women; to
build investigation skills/ procedures thus making police organization more effective in
protecting the human rights/ constitutional rights of the women.
A mediation Cell of the Delhi High Court Legal Services Authority is also running in the CWC
premises. The objective of this mediation cell is to give a platform to warring parties to
settle their differences through the intervention of trained mediators with an objective of
reducing the litigation and offering solutions outside the court. This unit is headed by an
Assistant Commissioner of Police and assisted by other officers. Other districts can also refer
the cases to this mediation cell by forwarding a copy of complaint with a consent form
signed by both the parties giving their willingness for opting for mediation.
8. Juvenile Cell
Notified as nodal agency of the Delhi Police for effective implementation of the Juvenile
Justice Act, to co-ordinate and upgrade the treatment of Children in association with other
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stakeholders, NGOs and government departments and to formulate policies on various
aspects of the Act and in defining police role within its ambit, a juvenile Unit has been set up
in the Special Police Unit for Women and Children. The functions of the unit are
1. The Juvenile Justice Unit aims at ensuring capacity building of the police
personnel for the effective implementation of the Act and realization of
the Juvenile Justice System in the capital city. The unit organises and
coordinates sensitization cum orientation and training programme for
police personnel at police station levels and at district level for the SJPUs.
2. The Juvenile Unit will have monthly meeting with the districts SJPUs to
coordinate police efforts especially in regards to Children in Need of Care
and Protection, to guide and monitor the functioning of the Juvenile
welfare officers.
iv) The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Police Unit for Women and
Children, Nanak Pura, New Delhi may suo moto take up any case/complaint
for investigation on being satisfied that there are grounds for doing so.
All the 11 District Women Cells report and maintain close liaison with the
Deputy Commissioner of Police and Joint Commissioner of Police, Special Police Unit for
Women and Children, Nanak Pura, New Delhi. They shall instantly intimate to (Women)
Cell, Nanak Pura, New Delhi regarding the atrocious incidents of violence against women,
related to eve teasing, domestic violence, burning, rape and dowry related murder etc. they
shall also ensure that the recommendations of registration of cases send by the CWCC Unit
are promptly attended by the concerned Police Station.
In selected cases, personnel of District Women Cells will make enquiries into
the complaints and take up investigations on the direction of Additional Deputy
Commissioner of Police of District. They will furnish periodic progress reports in respect of
cases being dealt by them to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, (Women) Cell, Nanak Pura,
New Delhi. They will ensure proper enquiry and handling of complaints and investigation as
per the established procedure of the CWC, Nanakpura.
Joint Commissioner of Police, Special Police Unit for Women and Children,
Nanak Pura, New Delhi shall hold a monthly meeting with the Additional DCsP/Special Police
Unit for Women and Children for better co-ordination, uniform handling of complaints and
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case and discussion of important cases as well as over all functioning of District Women
Cells.
iii) The setting up of Special Police Unit for Women and Children in no way
dilutes the responsibility of the local police to initiate action whenever a
woman victim of crime approaches them for assistance. They will continue
to register and investigate all cases up to the time it is transferred to the
Special Police Unit for Women and Children and will later also extend all
necessary to help to the officers of the cell for successful investigation and
prosecution.
iv) They will provide all psychological and legal help to the women victim.
vi) The local police will ensure that information in all cases of unnatural death or
rape of women is promptly communicated to the Special Police Unit for
Women and Children to enable the staff of the cell to visit the spot and get
acquainted with the facts, for this purpose Helpline of the Special Police Unit
for Women and Children has been set up to work round the clock with
Telephone No.1091.
POLICE STATION, CRIME (WOMEN) CELL, SPECIAL POLICE UNIT FOR WOMEN AND
CHILDREN, NANAKPURA, NEW DELHI.
Crime (Women) Cell Police Station has been set up in the Special Police Unit for
Women and Children vide notification F. No.1/16/2007/HP-1/Estt:7607, for the registration
and investigation of cases relating to the matrimonial disputes i.e., torture, harassment for
the sake of dowry demand and related cases, cases of rape, attempt to rape, molestation,
sexual harassment etc. requiring specialized investigation.
Police Station, Crime Women Cell is headed by an officer of the rank of Inspector,
who will function as SHO, assisted by two Inspectors, who are Incharge of Women Helpline-
1091 and investigation and a number of Sub-Inspectors to attend to complainants/victims,
conduct enquiry into a complaint, counselling and guidance to victims of violence and
investigation of cases besides overseeing/guiding/monitoring the functioning of branches
like Malkhana, records, service of summons/warrants, functioning of reporting room and
lock up etc.
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The officer will work five days a week and will take turns to look after the Police
Station on weekends. Thus, while SHO will be responsible for overall functioning of Police
Station, she would take off on the week ends, the Police Station will be looked after by the
Inspector helpline on one weekend and the Inspector Investigation on the other.
Training:
Inspector Station House Officer who normally be available in the Police Station from
0900 hrs to 2000 hrs. Inspector or Senior Sub-Inspector who remain available during night
shift to guide and supervise the staff and functioning of the Police Station besides attending
to complainants/victims and arranging necessary assistance to women approaching Police
Station in situations of distress.
Jurisdiction:
The police station will have jurisdiction over the whole of the capital territory of
Delhi for the registration and investigation of cases relating to the matrimonial disputes i.e.
torture, harassment for the sake of dowry demand and cases of rape, attempt to rape,
molestation, sexual harassment and any other case of crime against women requiring
investigation.
The Inspectors and above shall enjoy the power of Officer Incharge of the Police
Station for exercising powers under the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973.
ACP, Incharge helpline will be the immediate supervisory officer for the purpose of
day to day supervision over the functioning of Police Station and shall report to the Deputy
Commissioner of Police, Crime Women Cell.
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Duties of Police Station:
The duties at Police Station Crime Women Cell being specialized and sensitive, the
same shall clearly be demarcated in writing, without any ambiguity, so that each officer
knows that what is required to be done and the time at which they are required to be done,
by whom they are required to be done are clearly demarcated.
The staff of Crime Women Cell should not be deployed on routine police duties such
as Beat, Guard, Escort and Law and Order.
PROSECUTION
Scrutiny of challans and prosecution of cases investigated by the Crime (Women) Cell
will be done by the Govt. Prosecutors handling cases of Delhi Police. There shall be a special
designated Govt. Counsel for cases investigated by Police Station Crime (Women) Cell,
Nanak Pura, New Delhi.
RECORDS
Districts Women Cell will maintain statistics regarding all cases of Crime Against
Women. They shall submit weekly report to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special
Police Unit for Women and Children, Nanak Pura, New Delhi. The Deputy Commissioner of
Police, Special Police Unit for Women and Children, Nanak Pura, New Delhi will compile and
put up a report regarding the work done by the cell to the Joint Commissioner of Police,
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Special Police Unit for Women and Children, Nanak Pura, New Delhi by the 5th of every
month.
issued Standing Order bearing No.281/89 vide No.2980-3230/Crime (W) Cell, dated
18.05.1989 stands cancelled.
In view of the increasing need to give special consideration to children the charter of
Crime Women Cell has been further expanded and the Cell has been made the nodal unit of
Delhi Police for coordinating issues of children and juveniles both victims and offenders and
upgrade role of police on all issues pertaining to care and protection of children or juveniles
under the Juvenile Justice Act.
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STANDING ORDER NO. 109 Of 2009
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS OF SECTIONS 160 AND 175 CR.P.C. 1973 WITH REGARD TO THE
SUMMONING OF WITNESSES OR SUSPECTS IN THE COURSE OF AN INVESTIGATION OR IN
CONNECTION WITH AN INQUEST U/S 174 CR.P.C.
Pursuant to directions given by the Honb’le High Court of Delhi in case of Chander Bhan Vs
State, in order to salvage marriages the following guidelines should be followed by the Delhi
Police strictly and scrupulously in addition to Para 5 of Standing Order No. 109 of 2009.
1. No case under Section 498-A/406 IPC should be registered without the prior
approval of DCP/Addl. DCP.
2. Arrest of main accused should be made only after thorough investigation has been
conducted and with the prior approval of ACP/DCP.
4. Police should also depute a well trained and a well behaved staff in all the Crime
Against Women Cells especially the lady officers, all well equipped with the abilities
of perseverance, persuasion, patience and forbearance.
6. The endeavour of the Police should be to scrutinize complaints very carefully and
then register FIR.
7. The FIR should be registered only against those persons against whom there are
strong allegations of causing any kind of physical or mental cruelty as well as breach
of trust.
8. All possible efforts should be made, before recommending registration of any FIR,
for reconciliation and in case it is found that there is no possibility of settlement,
then necessary steps in the first instance be taken to ensure return of stridhan and
dowry articles etc. by the accused party to the complainant.
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STANDING ORDER NO. 281
INTRODUCTION
A special police unit exclusively dealing with the Women and Children issues
vis a vis police, is functioning at Nanakpura, New Delhi. SPUWC has two divisions, namely
Women Cell & Juvenile Cell. The Women Cell of the unit has a primary function of enquiring
and investigation into the complaints of Crime Against Women.
At the Police Station’s Level women & Child Help Desk will be established to
give focus to women & Children issues at the Police Station Level under the supervision of
the SHO concerned.
When ever a complaint is received in Special Police Unit for Women & Children in this
regard ACsP/Enquiry will interview the complainant & after going through the complaint will
decide along with complainant on the best course of action after explaining all the services
of counselling, mediation & legal action available in the unit.
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Depending upon the outcome of discussion, the case will be referred to ACP/Mediation &
Counselling or to Inspector/Enquiry.
Pursuant to directions given by the Honb’le High Court of Delhi in case of Chander Bhan Vs
State, the Commissioner of Police, Delhi vide Standing Order No. 330/2007 had already
issued guidelines for arrest in dowry cases registered under sections 498A/406 IPC and the
said guidelines should be followed by the Delhi Police strictly and scrupulously. (i) No case
under Section 498-A/406 IPC should be registered without the prior approval of DCP/
Addl.DCP. (ii) Arrest of main accused should be made only after thorough investigation has
been conducted and with the prior approval of ACP/DCP. (iii) Arrest of the collateral accused
such as father-in –law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law etc should only be
made after prior approval of DCP on file. (b) Police should also depute a well trained and a
well behaved staff in all the Crime Against Women Cells especially the lady officers, all well
equipped with the abilities of perseverance, persuasion, patience and forbearance. (c) FIR in
such cases should not be registered in a routine manner. (d) The endeavour of the Police
should be to scrutinize complaints very carefully and then register FIR. (e) The FIR should be
registered only against those persons against whom there are strong allegations of causing
any kind of physical or mental cruelty as well as breach of trust. (f) All possible efforts should
be made, before recommending registration of any FIR, for reconciliation and in case it is
found that there is no possibility of settlement, then necessary steps in the first instance be
taken to ensure return of stridhan and dowry articles etc. by the accused party to the
complainant.
ii. Mediation/Counselling:
A mediation Cell of the Delhi High Court Legal Services Authority is also running in the CWC
premises. The objective of this mediation cell is to give a platform to warring parties to
settle their differences through the intervention of trained mediators with an objective of
reducing the litigation and offering solutions outside the court. This unit is headed by an
Assistant Commissioner of Police and assisted by other officers. Other districts can also refer
the cases to this mediation cell by forwarding a copy of complaint with a consent form
signed by both the parties giving their willingness for opting for mediation. In case of
mediation or counselling fails, the complaint shall be referred to ACP/Enquiry concerned (as
per work distribution decided by DCP/CWC).
In case the complaint is not covered under the Dowry Prohibitions Act, 498-A of IPC, the
ACP/Enquiry may counsel the women regarding protection of women in Domestic Violence
Act-2005 & make available such help as is required by the complaint through networking
with DLSA, NGOs, Shelter Homes, etc. before closing the complaint in this unit.
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Procedure for Enquiry:
The endeavour of this project was to empower women by teaching them simple self
defence techniques so that they need not feel vulnerable in every threatening situation till
police help arrives. The self defence Unit is headed by an Assistant Commissioner of Police
and assisted by other officers. Periodic in-house programmes are held by this unit and it has
an outreach programs in various schools and colleges also. A year wise register of all such
programs conducted will be maintained in the CWC.
ACP/TRAININGS/CAPACITY BUILDING
Pursuant to its mandate on women and children, the Special Police Unit for Women and
Children has been conducting various training/ workshops to police personnel on
In this endeavour to impart professional training to the police personnel various agencies
like DLSA, NCW, DCW, TISS, Jamia University, NIPCCED and other NGOs have come forward
with their professional resource persons as well as resources. The purpose is to facilitate
understanding of gender and related issues, including gender dimensions of laws relating to
women; to build capacity of the police personnel to deal with offences against women; to
build investigation skills/ procedures thus making police organization more effective in
protecting the human rights/ constitutional rights of the women. The ACP/Training shall be
the co-ordinater for all such training programs for Districts.
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ACP/JUVENILE:
The Juvenile Justice Unit aims at ensuring capacity building of the police personnel for the
effective implementation of the Act and realization of the Juvenile Justice System in the
capital city. The unit organises and coordinates sensitization cum orientation and training
programme for police personnel at police station levels and at district level for the SJPUs.
i. The Juvenile Unit will have monthly meeting with the districts SJPUs to
coordinate police efforts especially in regards to Children in Need of Care and
Protection, to guide and monitor the functioning of the Juvenile welfare officers.
ii. The Juvenile Unit will also follow various Writ Petition relating to juvenile issues.
iii. The unit has been able to develop close bonds with all the stakeholders be it the
Delhi Government, the Judiciary, the Child Welfare Agency, the NGOs & thus
formulating policies on various aspect of the Act thus redefining the crucial role
and intervention of Police.
iv. The Juvenile Justice Unit will also represented Delhi police in the Juvenile Justice
Committee on the High Court.
v. The Juvenile Justice Unit will collect Daily, Weekly & Monthly Diaries from
District/units of Delhi in connection with Children in Need Care & Protection
(CNCP) & Juvenile in Conflict with Law (JICL). A database of the same shall be
maintained in this unit.
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ACP/HELPLINE
i. Procedure
The helpline number, 1091, is managed by the Police Control Room which
receives and manages all calls for police help. A Women Police mobile team
headed by a women upper subordinate officer is available round the clock at the
Crimes against Women Cell to attend to distress calls received through the
helpline or directly in the Cell. Helpline team will visit to place of occurrence for
further necessary action. Women Officer have to submit her enquiry report to
concerned officer and the same will be cross checked by the senior officers.
Women Helpline Mobile team consists one upper subordinate women officer &
one lower subordinate women officer along with PCR Staff. The team works 24
hours in two shifts and their duty hours are 8 AM to 8 PM & 8 PM to 8 AM.
A Police Official has already depute on this reputed seat to take follow up action
on the complaint related with Crime Against Women & Juvenile issues, which are
received in various Police Stations.
A weekly and monthly report of received calls and their status report should be
produced before senior officers.
ACP/CORDINATION
The designation is creating to oversee the matter regarding Crisis Intervention Centres.
Duties & responsibility including training programme/sensitization programme organizing
periodic for police personal accordingly. Compiling Data received from other District &
Units, issuing directions, guidelines regarding rape cases to the district.
ACP/HEADQURTER
ACP/HQ will supervise administration related matter including the RTI & legal cell.
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ACP/POLICE STATION/CWC
ACP/Police Station/CWC shall supervise the police station functioning including all cases of
the pending investigations & complaints marked.
Crime (Women) Cell Police Station has been set up in the Special Police Unit for Women and
Children vide notification F. No.1/16/2007/HP-1/Estt:7607, for the registration and
investigation of cases relating to the matrimonial disputes i.e., torture, harassment for the
sake of dowry demand and related cases, cases of rape, attempt to rape, molestation,
sexual harassment etc. requiring specialized investigation.
Police Station/Crime Women Cell is headed by an officer of the rank of Inspector, who will
function as SHO, assisted by two Inspectors, who are Incharge of Women Helpline-1091 and
investigation and a number of Sub-Inspectors to attend to complainants/victims, conduct
enquiry into a complaint, counselling and guidance to victims of violence and investigation
of cases besides overseeing/ guiding/monitoring the functioning of branches like Malkhana,
records, service of summons/warrants, functioning of reporting room and lock up etc.
ii. Contact the complainant of the case and record her/his statement u/s 161 Cr.PC.
iv. Proof of residence of the complainant must be obtained and placed on the file.
v. The proof of marriage be obtained and placed on the file i.e. marriage certificate,
marriage invitation card, photographs & VCD etc.
vii. List of dowry articles given at the time of marriage be obtained. Bill/cash memos
in support of the said articles be procured and placed on file. Statements of
jewellers/furniture/household retailers be recorded and they be cited as PWs.
viii. In cases where the complainant claim huge amount spent on the marriage
ceremony the source of money be verified whether the money was withdraw
from bank or lend by some relative, if so, their statements be recorded and they
be cited as PWs.
ix. Collect the birth certificate/school certificate of child/children, if any, out of the
wedlock.
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x. The evidences regarding torture/harassment be brought on record. Statements
of the willnesses are recorded u/s 161 Cr. PC.
xi. If there is any medical certificate w.e.t. torture/physical harassment, collect the
same & place it on record.
xii. Collect the telephone call details which the complainant made during the time of
the aforesaid harassment & torture.
xiii. Seize the letters send by the complainant to her parents/relatives regarding the
said harassment and demand of dowry.
xv. Collect the copy of Panchayatnama/agreement if any and place the same on
record.
xvi. If some suit/complaint is pending before any court, collect a copy of the same
and place on record along with relevant orders of the court.
xix. Verify the active role of each person alleged with harassment & cruelty.
xx. During the course of investigation if any other offence is made out, add the
relevant section of law and the same be brought to the knowledge of the seniors.
xxi. If there is any apprehension that the accused person will leave India, his LOC may
be opened.
xxii. The IOs must maintain the Guard File according to a specimen proforma
After collecting sufficient evidences against the accused person, the guidelines of Supreme
Court/ High Court and SO No. 330/07 must be followed while arresting a person under the
provisions of the law Prior approval of the senior officers must be obtained before arresting
the accused person/persons. The arrestee should be intimated about the grounds of arrest.
He/she should be informed about his rights at the time of arrest. It is not necessary that all
the accused persons are arrested. When sufficient evidences are not there against the
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alleged persons, we can keep their names in column number 2 of the report made u/s 173
CrPC.
All the 11 District Women Cells i.e. Crime against Women & Children Cell report and
maintain close liaison with the Deputy Commissioner of Police and Joint Commissioner of
Police, Special Police Unit for Women and Children, Nanak Pura, New Delhi & follow such
directions as issued from time to time regarding handling of investigation of complaints.
They will furnish periodic progress reports in respect of cases being dealt by them to the
Deputy Commissioner of Police, (Women) Cell, Nanak Pura, New Delhi. They will ensure
proper enquiry and handling of complaints and investigation as per the established
procedure of the CWC, Nanakpura.
Dy. Commissioner of Police, Special Police Unit for Women and Children, Nanak Pura, New
Delhi shall hold a monthly meeting with the Additional DCsP/Incharge Special Police Unit for
Women and Children for better co-ordination, uniform handling of complaints and case and
discussion of important cases as well as over all functioning of District Women Cells.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Police Unit for Women and Children, Nanak
Pura, New Delhi may suo moto take up any case/complaint for investigation on being
satisfied that there are grounds for doing so.
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Copy to:
4. SO to C.P., Delhi.
5. LA/FA to C.P., Delhi.
6. All ACsP/PHQ including ACP/IT Centre.
7. I/C Central Library, PHQ, Delhi with 10 spare copies.
8. HAR with 10 spare copies
9. Guard File.
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