Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 28: Jammu and Kashmir High Court today directed the State Government to inform the court by June 10 with regard to steps taken in implementation of Jammu and Kashmir Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection) Act 2013.
The Division Bench of High Court comprising Justice MH Attar and Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey after observing that the authorities have slept over the issue and issued notice to Chief Secretary of the State, Commissioner Secretary General Administration Department, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare Department, Director General of Police and Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and the notice has been accepted in open court the State Counsel advocate B A Dar (AAG) on behalf of these officials and court asked him to apprise the court on next date of hearing about the implementation of the Act.
“Mr Dar is to inform the court by or before next date the steps taken by the Government in implementing the Provision of J&K Juvenile Justice (care & protection) Act 2013”, court directed the state counsel.
Court during the proceedings of PIL observed: “The concerned authorities are expected to wake up from the deep slumbers at least in the interest of children for whose benefit the act has been legislated by the State Legislature”.
Court was dealing with a PIL filed by one Tanvi Ahuja who besides other directions is seeking implementation of the Act. She had approached the Supreme Court earlier for seeking directions upon the State Government but the Supreme Court asked her to approach the State High Court in this regard.
Petitioner Ahuja is seeking direction upon the respondents for implementation of the Provisions of Juvenile Act in the State in letter and spirit and establishing of Juvenile board and Juvenile court for protection and welfare of the Juveniles.
She further prays for submitting of details of cases pending in all court against juvenile offenders as also the details of Juveniles who are lodged in different jails of the State. She also submits that all the Juveniles who are below 18 years age be released forthwith from the prisons and police lockups and they be awarded compensation.
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