By far the most interesting example comes from Andhra which, early on, put in place multiple agencies to activate the law. The police have been sensitised to inform women of their rights. Protection officers work full-time to record complaints of violence and file applications. Legal aid is being given invariably. Why has this not happened in other states? Difficult to say, but clearly Andhra has a better system of management of case work and documents.

All said and done, freedom from violence in the private domain still remains a distant dream for women in domestic relationships, a year after this revolutionary law came into the statute books.

The writer is director, Lawyers Collective, Womens’ Rights Initiative