Women police officers sensitised to nuances of legal procedures

In a bid to apprise police officers on legal procedures in cases related to crimes against women and children, the Puducherry Women’s Commission organised a one-day legal workshop for women police officers on Friday.

More than 100 women police officers from Sub Inspectors to Police Constables attended the workshop. Retired judges D. Ramabathiran and S. Murugaboopathi were the resource persons, and the workshop examined Acts related to women’s issues and safety, criminal offences and violence against girl children and women.

Given the prime role of women police officers in handling cases related to crime against women, from recording their statements of the female victims to investigation and trial, the workshop proved a useful platform for the participants to understand the legal processes involved.

Superintendent of Police Rachna Singh who attended the inaugural session said, “It was an informative workshop. The women police officers were not only enlightened about rights of women victims, but their own personal and professional rights as women. The resource persons spoke about legal aid and the right behaviour towards victims of domestic violence, rape and other crimes.”

K. Latchoumy, Director-cum-Law Officer, Puducherry Women’s Commission, said, “The police have been entrusted with the duty to protect women victims. They have to be sensitised on processes like filing an FIR, tackling problems and handling women victims.” She added, “In light of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, the police have to be enlightened first about the rights of women so they can assist victims who come to them for help.”

The inauguration was also attended by Social Welfare Minister P. Rajavelu, MLA G. Nehru, Puducherry Women’s Commission Chairperson K. Sundari and team members and representatives from the Department of Women and Child Development. Certificates were distributed to all the participants.

Karaikal camp on

April 24

The Puducherry Women’s Commission is a quasi judicial and autonomous body, and can serve summons for enquiry. The body will be conducting a one-day camp at Karaikal on April 24. Summons for enquiry will be issued for complaints registered with the Commission. There will also be follow-up action on complaints received at the last camp, said Ms. Latchoumy.