Tue Dec 30 18:42:46 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

Vijayawada Municipal Corporation Ordered to Provide Women’s Shelter by Andhra Pradesh High Court

Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh – December 31, 2025 – The Andhra Pradesh High Court has directed the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) to immediately establish a separate shelter for women experiencing homelessness. The order came during a hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding the plight of destitute individuals sleeping on the city’s pavements.

A Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice Ravi Cheemalapati, expressed concern that Vijayawada currently lacks dedicated night shelters for women. While the VMC’s Standing Counsel stated plans for additional shelters, including those for women, the Court emphasized the urgency of the situation, demanding immediate action. The VMC Commissioner, Dhyanachandra H.M., has been instructed to conduct a drive to shift homeless individuals to existing shelters and submit a report.

Recognizing that the issue may extend beyond Vijayawada, the High Court has also directed the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department to file an affidavit within two weeks, detailing steps to be taken in district headquarters across the state to ensure adequate shelter for both men and women experiencing homelessness. The court suggested collaborating with NGOs to provide safe shelters.

The case has been adjourned until Wednesday.

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