HC directs for more Juvenile homes

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, May 16: The High Court has directed the Government to scrutinize the possibility of establishing more observation homes in order to facilitate production of children before Juvenile Justice Boards.
Hearing the Public Interest Litigation on betterment of orphans and for full facilities to orphanages, the Division Bench of Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Tashi Rabstan directed the Government to examine the possibility of setting up more Observation Homes to facilitate production of children before the Juvenile Justice Boards
“…the possibility of setting up these Observation Homes in appropriate rented premises be examined”, read the order. Court said a tabulated report meeting the directions earlier passed and the instant directions shall be filed before the next date of hearing.
Court has also been informed by the amicus to the PIL senior advocate B A Bashir that all the ICPS centers have become defunct as the officials in these centers have been attached to the Directorate office for convenience of higher officials in the department. “The Mission Director, Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), Kashmir, shall ensure that postings of Officers is fairly effected”, the DB directed.
Court after perusal of the report of the Social Welfare Department said, the same is loquacious and effusive as it makes several references to the respondents’ inability to take steps on account of the Model Code of Conduct which is in vogue.
“Furthermore, the format of the report renders it impossible to understand as to whether the respondents have taken requisites steps”, the order said.
In view of this, the court directed the respondents to place the compliance of the Court orders as well as the requirements of law in a tabulation setting out the staff position, institution-wise.
Court reiterated that in case the recruitment processes are underway, the respondents shall, in the tabulation, set out the dates and steps taken for the same as well as the dates on which the recruitment would be completed.
Authorities have also been directed to give in a tabulation the details of the Village Level and District Level Protection Committees in the State.
“It shall also inform about the operationalization of Video Conferencing facilities between the Observation Homes as well as the Juvenile Justice Boards”, court said.
Court has also sought information about the setting up of the Women and Child Rights Commissions. Other issue, which has been placed before the court, was regarding the difficulties faced in transportation of children lodged in two Observation Homes in the State before the Juvenile Justice Boards.

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