A significant step towards expediting justice for women was taken in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, where a collaborative effort between the Kerala Police and the National Commission for Women (NCW) yielded concrete results. A special joint adalat, presided over by NCW member Delina Khongdup, successfully addressed a backlog of grievances while setting the stage for new investigations.
Swift Resolution and New Cases Registered
The primary outcome of the adalat was the resolution of 53 pending complaints filed by women across multiple police districts. In a move underscoring the seriousness of the process, the forum also led to the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) for four new complaints, immediately initiating formal police investigations into these matters.
The complaints considered spanned a significant period, from 2023 to 2025, and originated from a wide geographical area. The districts covered included:
- Thiruvananthapuram City
- Thiruvananthapuram Rural
- Kollam City
- Kollam Rural
- Pathanamthitta
- Kochi City
- Kannur City
- Kasaragod
Empowering Initiatives and Direct Hearings
In her opening remarks, NCW member Delina Khongdup reinforced the commission's role as a pillar of support. She clearly stated that women can and should file complaints with the NCW whenever their rights are violated. Khongdup also announced a pivotal new initiative: the commission has decided to conduct direct hearings in states under the banner 'Mahila Jan Sunvani'.
This program is designed to listen to complainants in person, thereby ensuring a more empathetic and prompt resolution of issues. Commending the women of the state, Khongdup noted that unlike in many other regions, women in Kerala are highly aware of their rights and legal avenues.
Kerala as a Model for Women's Empowerment
Presiding over the event, ADGP S Sreejith from the police headquarters highlighted the proactive role of the state machinery. He emphasized that the state government and Kerala Police are actively implementing several exemplary projects aimed at women's empowerment. Sreejith stated that these initiatives are so effective that they serve as a model for the entire nation to follow.
The successful adalat demonstrates a powerful synergy between a national rights body and state law enforcement. It not only provided closure for dozens of women but also established a faster track for new cases, reflecting a committed approach to safeguarding women's rights and ensuring timely justice in Kerala.
