Chandigarh, April 26: — In compliance with directives from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Chandigarh home department on Friday issued detailed guidelines aimed at safeguarding runaway couples from threats or harm.
According to the notification, the superintendent of police (city) has been appointed the state nodal officer and will oversee the strict implementation of these new measures.
Couples facing danger can seek help through the 112 emergency service. Upon receiving a call, a Police Control Room (PCR) vehicle will be immediately dispatched.
Officials from the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) will accompany the duty officer to assess the threat level and, if needed, provide security.
To ease access, Chandigarh Police have also launched a dedicated digital platform called the “Special Cell for Protection of Runaway Couples,” enabling couples to file complaints online without visiting a police station.
In cases where there is a risk to safety, the couple may be relocated to a government-designated safe house located in Sector 19-B. Minor applicants will be housed at Aashiana in Sector 15.
Station house officers (SHOs) across Chandigarh have been tasked with investigating complaints filed by such couples.
Each SHO will function under the supervision of the nodal officer and must ensure that all proceedings are carried out sensitively in the presence of a female police officer.
The SHO is also required to conduct a fair hearing of both the couple and those accused of issuing threats. A decision must be reached within three days. If there is a prima facie threat, the SHO can take immediate action to provide protection or shelter.
An appellate mechanism has also been established. The concerned sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) or deputy superintendent of police will serve as the appellate authority. Any person aggrieved by the SHO’s decision may file an appeal within three days, which must be resolved within a week.
