Section 11 DV Act: Duties of Government

Section 11 of Domestic Violence Act, 2005: Duties of Government

Official Bare Act Text

Override / Mandate Mens Rea (Intent) Actus Reus (Conduct) Punishment Limitation Monetary

The Central Government and every State Government, shall take all measures to ensure that—

(a) the provisions of this Act are given wide publicity through public media including the television, radio and the print media at regular intervals;

(b) the Central Government and State Government officers including the police officers and the members of the judicial services are given periodic sensitization and awareness training on the issues addressed by this Act;

(c) effective co-ordination between the services provided by concerned Ministries and Departments dealing with law, home affairs including law and order, health and human resources to address issues of domestic violence is established and periodical review of the same is conducted;

(d) protocols for the various Ministries concerned with the delivery of services to women under this Act including the courts are prepared and put in place.

Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 11

Section 11 places positive governance and sensitization obligations upon the Central and State Governments to give wide publicity to the DV Act, train law enforcement agencies, and ensure periodic protocols across judicial and medical wings.

Publicity & Awareness: Governments must give wide publicity to the provisions of the Act through public media, television, radio, and print at regular intervals.
Inter-Agency Sensitization: Central and State Governments are required to conduct regular sensitization and training programs for police officers, Protection Officers, and judicial officers.
Inter-Ministerial Protocol Coordination: Mandates effective coordination between ministries dealing with law, home affairs, health, and women and child development to formulate integrated relief delivery systems.

Key Landmark Precedents:

Social Action Forum for Manav Adhikar v. Union of India (2018) 10 SCC 443: The Supreme Court issued nationwide directions to the Union and State Governments to implement Section 11 duties diligently, ensuring police stations maintain dedicated helpdesks for domestic violence victims.
Re: Assessment of the Criminal Justice System (2022): Reaffirmed the ongoing constitutional duty of governments under Section 11 to train lower judicial officers in empathetic handling of domestic violence and maintenance applications.

Courtroom Practice & Strategic Litigation Guidance:

In systemic public interest litigation or when challenging administrative inaction regarding lack of Protection Officers or shelter homes, invoke Section 11 in a writ petition before the High Court under Article 226.

Section 11: Duties of Government

Section 11 of Domestic Violence Act, 2005: Duties of Government

Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 11