Chandigarh Police introduce guidelines for safety of runaway couples
In a significant move to uphold the safety and rights of runaway couples, the Chandigarh Police have introduced a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), following directions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court in the case Kamalpreet Kaur vs State of Haryana and others.
The SOP issued under the guidance of the Director General of Police replaces all previous protocols and aims to provide a swift legal and protective support to couples facing threat to life or liberty.
A Special Cell for the Protection of Runaway Couples has been established at the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) in the Home Guards Building, Sector 17. The Superintendent of Police (City) has been appointed as the State Nodal Officer to oversee implementation.
Key provisions of the SOP include a time-bound mechanism. Complaints are to be acted upon within three days, with the local Station House Officer (SHO) conducting on-ground inquiries along with a woman officer. If a threat is evident, couples may be shifted to a Protection Home in Sector 19-B, or to Aashiana in Sector 15 for minor girls.
Appeals are to be resolved within seven days by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO)/DSP.
Assistance is available via the 112 helpline or the Chandigarh Police website.
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