Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Mar 3: The High Court today directed the authorities to go ahead with the selection and appointment of candidates for the post of Chairperson and members of JJBs and CWCs and produce the result before the court in sealed cover.
Justice Rajnesh Oswal and Justice Mohan Lal passed these directions in an application filed by the Director, Mission Vatsalya, Department of Social Welfare J&K, for permitting the department to finalize the selection list, appointment of candidates for the post of Member of Juvenile Justice Board(s) and Chairperson and members of Child Welfare Committees.
“In the meanwhile, the Director, Mission Vatsalya, Department of Social Welfare, J&K, shall produce the result in a sealed cover before this court on the next date of hearing,” the DB directed.
One more application was filed for placing on record recommendations regarding the protection of the children from abuse and exploitation in the J&K.
The department has suggested five recommendations for the protection of children from abuse and exploitation.
“Issue notice to the Director, concerned who shall respond with regard to the recommendations suggested by the applicant. List on 09.03.2023,” DB said.
The selection process for these posts was stayed by the coordinate benches of Jammu and Srinagar wings of the High Court on the pleas of the present members but the Division Bench on previous hearing clarified that pendency of any writ petitions or orders passed therein by the coordinate benches stalling the process of selection shall not come in the way of selecting authority for initiating selection process.
The coordinate benches had put on hold the process of selection for the fresh appointment of members of JJBs and CWCs in two writ proceedings filed by the present members of JJB and CWC from various districts of Kashmir and Jammu Divisions.
These sitting members had thrown challenge to the fresh advertisement notices issued on 01.08.2022 where-under the authorities had advertised posts of members of Juvenile Justice Board, Chairperson and members of Child Welfare Committee and social worker in each district of Jammu and Kashmir.
These members in their pleas contended that they became eligible and entitled to re – appointment up to three consecutive terms based on the performance appraisal to be made by the selection cum oversight committee under and in terms of Rule 4 of Rules 2014 and further became eligible to seek re – appointment and continue, in all, for a period of nine years, subject to the aforesaid assessment/ appraisal.
Dealing with a connected PIL with regard to scheme of law for child abuse, the court had directed the DSGI for respondents to update the status and shall also ensure adherence to the scheme of law for spreading awareness related to the child abuse by use of all the available forums/technologies.
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