HC seeks UP govt's reply on rising offences against women

LUCKNOW: The Allahabad high court today directed the state government to file its reply within three weeks on a Public Interest Litigation, seeking directions for regular monitoring of increasing offences against women in Uttar Pradesh including rape.

A division bench comprising Justice S S Chauhan and Justice Vedpal of the Lucknow bench of the high court passed the order on the PIL filed by an organisation 'We the People" through its general secretary.

The PIL also sought directions to constitute a cell headed by a lady police officer and issue a helpline number for immediate information in case of such offences.

The petitioner's counsel, Prine Lenin told PTI that the PIL alleges that offences against women are on the rise in the state and therefore it is essential that an effective check is put on them.

The PIL was opposed on behalf of the state government which stressed that some proper steps have already been taken in this regard.

While providing three week's time to the state government to file its reply, the court also gave a week's time to the petitioner for filing a rejoinder.