DCW can issue arrest warrants, attach property: DCW chief Swati Maliwal

Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Swati Maliwal.

Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Swati Maliwal on Monday said the commission will henceforth issue arrest warrants and attach the properties and salaries of those failing to respond to its repeated summons.

Maliwal said that under the DCW Act, the commission always had these powers but they were not being used. She said those summoned will be given chances but action will be initiated on repeated non-compliance of summons.

The DCW had sought legal opinion from former solicitor general Indira Jaisingh. “It is shocking to note that all state women commissions too possess the same powers but these are never used,” said the DCW Monday.

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Under the functions of the commission in the DCW ACT, has all the powers of a civil court while investigating complaints in which a woman’s rights have been violated.