Delhi govt issues SOP for protection of interfaith couples; sets up 'special cell', 24-hr helpline

The government said the existing 181 toll-free women helplines of the Delhi Commission for Women will serve as a round-the-clock helpline to receive from inter-faith and inter-caste married couples’ complaints of threat and harassment and provide necessary assistance.

The Delhi government has issued a standard operating procedure (SoP) for the protection of inter-faith and inter-caste couples from harassment and threats and directed setting up of ''special cells'', headed by deputy commissioners of police, to look into such matters. According to the SOP, the government will provide accommodation in its ''safe house'' to those couples whose relationship is being opposed by their families or the local community or khaps. The government said the existing 181 toll-free women helplines of the Delhi Commission for Women will serve as a round-the-clock helpline to receive from inter-faith and inter-caste married couples’ complaints of threat and harassment and provide necessary assistance.