Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 9: After the assurance of the Secretary Social Welfare Department with regard to the constitution of Commission for Protection of Child Rights, the High Court has granted time till June 2 for constitution of the Commission.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal after perusal of previous proceedings in the matter said, despite repeated orders passed by this court, the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, has not been constituted which prompted the court seeking personal appearance of Secretary Social Welfare Department.
On the orders of the court, the Secretary SWD appeared before the bench virtually who fairly admitted that although the advertisement to select and appoint the members, as also the Chairperson of the Commission, was issued way back in June, 2023, but immediately added that the process of selection is still at the nascent stage in view of the sensitivity of the matter, as also that a considerable time has already elapsed. The Secretary has prayed for a short accommodation to furnish a specific affidavit indicating the precise time that is required to complete the selection process.
“Be that as it may, before we record any order on merits, we consider it necessary to afford one last opportunity to the respondent-authorities to make their positions clear, to enable us to address the matter in issue”, the bench recorded.
The committee previously convened two meetings on the issue and upon scrutinizing the applications received, the committee shortlisted 03 candidates for the post of Chairperson and 04 for the post of members, with 02 candidates being considered for both posts.
The committee after thorough deliberations recommended the eligibility criteria as well as process for the appointment to the posts to the competent authority, the approval for which is awaited.
As there is already a delay in appointment of members of the Protection of Child Rights Commission as such the Division Bench on March 27 last year had directed the authorities to produce the process of selection before the court.
The court took matter with the utmost seriousness and had observed that it deserves in view of the important statutory role the Commission plays and made it clear that in default the court would be compelled to call the concerned official to remain present in person to explain before it.
The J&K Social Welfare Department has constituted a five Member Committee to recommend for appointment to the posts of Chairperson and Members, J&K Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
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