The Rajasthan Police have introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure aimed at ensuring protection for married couples and those living together. This new move has been brought in following a mandate by the High Court that pressed upon the need for effective protection among such persons.

New SOP Offers Better Security

The Rajasthan Police has also introduced a new SOP recently, which aims at protecting married couples and those in live-in relationships. The High Court had asked the state to introduce a protective framework for such couples, after which this new procedure was developed. According to the new SOP, any person requiring protection can apply in person, through a representative, or a lawyer. If they are threatened, then they have every right to call for security from the nodal officer assigned for their protection as witnesses.

Support For Couple For Couple

Support can be sought in the following ways:

– Emergency Calls: 112 for urgent support.
– Women’s Helpline: 1090 for women’s safety-related support.
– WhatsApp Helplines: State-level WhatsApp number: 8764871150 or WhatsApp numbers at the district level.
– Email: Complaints can be mailed to the control rooms at the districts.
Police Control Room: Approach the police control room in your area for assistance.

According to the procedures of the SOP, the nodal officer would ensure the required security at the earliest. It states these officers are supposed to handle complaints regarding threats and they are tasked with ensuring timely intervention. The orders have been issued by Additional Director General of Police, Civil Rights, Bhupendra Sahu, instructing quick and proper action.

Responsibilities Of Nodal Officers

The roles of nodal officers under the new SOP would include the following: –

– Immediate Action: They shall display prompt action with regards to complaints about threats.
– Statements Recording: Officers will have the authority to record statements by way of audio and video under CCTV surveillance.
– Providing Security: In case a threat is verified, they shall make adequate arrangements for security. If security is not provided, the reasons for doing so should be explained by the officer.

Court Directive Spurs Change

This new SOP comes after a recent order from the Jaipur bench of the Rajasthan High Court. The court had asked the state government to take steps to safeguard individuals from social hatred or threats. It showed special concern regarding the couples getting married as well as living together. After a petition showed that individuals are prone to danger even after marriage, the court decided on their behalf.

Community Impact And Future Steps

The adoption of this SOP is a major change in the concept of safety and security for couples throughout Rajasthan. It also goes to address the vulnerabilities many individuals face in living in environments that are hostile to them. This new set of measures becomes proactive in ensuring that the community turns out to become safer for all its residents to live in.

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