New Delhi, 13th March, 2013
Intervention by the National Human Rights Commission has ensured that a homeless woman who delivered in a park after being hit by police in Delhi got monetary relief of rupees one lakh from the Govt. of NCT Delhi.

The Commission took the cognizance of the issue on the basis of a complaint enclosing the copy of a newspaper report dated 1st February, 2011. According to this, a woman, who was expecting a child, was sitting in the park in Pusa Road, roundabout in Central Delhi along with her mother-in-law when suddenly police arrived and started chasing away men and women who sold balloons and other nick nacks at the traffic signal. Among them there were also some baggers. The woman was working as a caretaker at a nearby night shelter and had decided to sit out in the sun light. A police man tried to chase her out also. She was hit by him on her leg. The pain and shock suffered by her left her writhing in labour pain. She delivered in the park within minutes.

In response to notices by the Commission an inquiry was conducted and the incident was confirmed. The policemen concealed the facts till their identity was revealed during the inquiry. Departmental inquiry was ordered against one Head Constables and a Constable. A recorded warning was issued to the SHO of Police Station, Prasad Nagar.

The Commission recommended rupees one lakh as compensation to the victim and called for a compliance report along with proof of payment from the Delhi Govt. It took almost an year for the Delhi Govt. to establish the identity of the victim and handover her the amount of monetary relief.

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