THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A two-day mega adalat of the Women’s Commission, which was held in the capital on Wednesday and Thursday, settled 48 out of the 100 cases up for consideration. While counselling has been recommended in five cases, reports from various departments were sought for six cases. The remaining 41 cases will be taken up for hearing in the next adalat. Women’s Commission chairperson M C Josephine and member M S Thara led the adalat. Commission director U V Kuriakose, police officers, advocates and counsellors were also present at the adalat to hear cases.
“Though few in number, there are cases in which women have misused laws aimed at providing protection to them. Such an unhealthy trend will only serve to undermine efforts to ensure women’s safety and security,” Josephine said after the adalat.
The Women’s Commission Chairperson also expressed concern over the trend of women filing cases before the Commission on frivolous grounds and refusing to turn up when called for hearing.
“Such actions are aimed at harassing the respondent who turns up repeatedly for hearing, but will have to go back because the complainant is not present. We are planning to seek an explanation from such complainants who misuse the forum for settling personal scores,” said Josephine.