File detailed reply to PIL (by PEC) on state of women’s shelter homes, HC tells government
The Gujarat High Court has asked the state government to file a detailed reply to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the poor conditions of women’s shelter homes (Nari Sanrakshan Gruh) in the state. The PIL was filed by Peace and Equality Cell (PEC) after an Indian Express report revealed that several women had fled a shelter home due to inhuman living conditions, including lack of sanitation, medical care, and proper management.
The petitioner highlighted serious issues such as women being forced to defecate in the open, mentally challenged inmates being housed with others without proper care, no access to education or rehabilitation, and a lock-up-like environment that stripped residents of dignity and freedom. The High Court’s direction came after the government’s earlier reply failed to address the core concerns raised in the PIL, prompting the court to seek a comprehensive response and supporting inspection reports on shelter homes across Gujarat.