Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 9: In the infamous case of sexual exploitation of mentally challenged girls, Division Bench of High Court comprising First Puisne Judge, Justice Virender Singh and Justice A M Magrey today heard a letter turned petition filed by visually impaired lawyer Suraj Singh wherein prayer has been made to the High Court to monitor the investigation in the case.
After hearing Advocate Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed and Advocate Suraj Singh appearing in person for the petition, DB allowed a week’s time to the specially abled petitioner to place on record some additional material/documents for strengthening the case.
When the matter came up for hearing, DB expressed its deep concern over the unfortunate incident highlighted in the letter addressed to Chief Justice. After considering the submissions advanced by the counsels, Justice Virender Singh remarked, in the open court, that the Court will definitely monitor the investigation of this matter but at the same time the assistance is required from the counsels as to why the Court should stretch its arms to convert the matter into PIL when the investigation can be monitored in this matter by remitting the matter to the Single Bench of the High Court.
Upon this, Advocate S S Ahmed and Advocate Suraj Singh submitted that the matter needs adjudication by the DB as the broader issue to be decided by the court is to regulate, administer and issue directions to the State particularly to the Social Welfare Department to discharge its duty in ensuring proper care, protection, treatment and other facilities to such a disadvantageous class.
“There are several homes in the State being run by the Social Welfare Department where the living conditions of the inmates are pathetic and need immediate attention of this Court. Not only this, the State is required to be put to notice to indicate the steps taken for providing dignified homage to the disadvantageous section of the society”, they said.
On this, DB directed the petitioner for placing more material to strengthen the case and directed the Registry to list the case in next regular cause list.
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