NLSIU Conducts Training Programme for Women Constables in Collaboration with the Bengaluru City Police

The National Law School of India University, Bengaluru in collaboration with the Bengaluru City Police and the General Thimayya National Academy of Adventure (GETHNAA) (Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, Government of Karnataka) recently organised a training programme for women constables. This was one of eight such programmes being organised over a year under the Bengaluru Safe City Police Training Programme. 

The Bengaluru City Police has undertaken an initiative to train two hundred and forty women constables in areas of Self Defence, Unarmed Combat, Self-Assertiveness, Gender Sensitization, Counselling Skills, Legal Awareness and Public Speaking. Sessions around each theme involved advocates, members of civil society organisations, and NLSIU faculty members.

The July training programme focused on empowering constables with key tools and information in the areas of gender-based violence and gender-based discrimination. It included discussions on gender stereotypes, criminal justice processes and relevant legislations such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act. Participants gained insights into relevant provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 including the drafting of an FIR, sexual offences based on provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and provisions of marriage, divorce, maintenance, and succession under various personal laws. Expert speakers highlighted national and international conventions, legislations and regulations, as well as best practices. 

The sessions facilitated knowledge sharing, collaboration, and capacity building for the women constables. They also sought to promote better legal understanding amongst constables. The attendees engaged in interactive sessions and discussions highlighting the importance of collaboration between the police, citizens and civil society to ensure the effective implementation of various legislative measures.