Punjab Police to Turn Domestic Violence into Non-Bailable Crime

The police department has proposed amendments to the Punjab Protection of Women against Violence Act (PPWVA-2016), seeking to increase the fine to Rs1 million and classify domestic violence as a non-bailable offense to strengthen the protection of women across the province.

Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, has submitted a summary to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, requesting that the proposed changes be presented to the provincial cabinet for approval.

A senior official explained that the amendments were prompted by reports indicating that most perpetrators of domestic violence escape legal action and punishment, with FIRs being filed in only six percent of reported incidents. In many cases, matters were treated as non-cognizable because parties either reached a settlement or victims chose not to pursue legal action for various reasons.

The proposed amendments suggest a three-year prison sentence or a fine of up to Rs1 million, with repeat offenders facing non-bailable charges.

Dr. Usman highlighted that domestic violence is a widespread issue across Punjab, cutting across socio-economic lines, and noted that the lack of stringent legal measures allows aggressors to act with impunity. He emphasized the importance of the Virtual Women Police Station (VWPS), launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in April 2024, in addressing domestic violence. Since its inception, the VWPS has handled 114,540 complaints, with 59,798 related to domestic violence, though FIRs were lodged in only 3,365 cases.

The IG stressed that the effectiveness of the VWPS and PPWVA has been limited by the absence of a penal clause making domestic violence a cognizable offense. He called for amendments to Section 21 of the Act, proposing harsher penalties to ensure stronger support and protection for women across Punjab.

The proposed changes include making domestic violence punishable by up to three years imprisonment or a fine of Rs1 million, with the offense being cognizable, bailable, and compoundable. In cases of repeat offenses, the charge would become non-bailable.