Government issues SOP to protect inter-caste, inter-religious couples

The state government on Tuesday issued a nine-point standard operating procedure (SOP) for the protection of such couples. The SOP has been issued on the directions given by the Supreme Court in 2018.

A special cell will also be set up at the district level under the Superintendent of Police or Commissioner of Police. Couples who need such facilities will be provided with safe houses; and the police will also provide security to couples who are in danger.

This SOP includes a state helpline, procedure for registering an FIR, free legal aid to couples, a district-level review committee and submission of reports to the government.

In the case of a special district-level cell, a District Social Welfare Officer and a District Women and Child Development Officer will serve as its members. This cell will verify the age of the couple.

After it is ensured that neither of the two is a minor, an investigation will be initiated based on their complaint. If necessary or if the couple so requests, they should be provided with a safe house for a month at a nominal fee.

This facility may be extended up to six months. This safe house shall also be provided with police protection and if the couple so requests, they shall be provided with police protection.

The District Collector shall arrange for the safe house, which may be a suite in a government guest house, a residence without any staff or a rented private house.

The cost of the safe house shall be borne by the Social Justice Department. The couple shall have to submit a self-declaration that they have got married without any duress and shall furnish proof of age.

If the couple or any of them is a minor, the police shall inform the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and provide them with protection.

A helpline number 112 shall be made available for complaints. Any information registered on the helpline regarding inter-caste or inter-religious marriages shall be kept confidential for the protection of the couples.

If any couple comes to the police station with a complaint claiming that their lives are in danger, they shall be provided immediate protection. The police will file an FIR and a senior officer will submit a report within a week.

There will be a district-level review committee under the District Magistrate. The Director General of Police will submit a quarterly report to the state government.