Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 18: The High Court today directed the authorities to inform the court about the steps taken for implementation of Juvenile Justice Act and sought action taken report on various issues in this regard.
Court observed that the authorities are shifting the liability on each other when asked for implementation of court directions.
Hearing Public Interest Litigation seeking implementation of the Jammu and Kashmir Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act enacted in 2013 and rules there under in letter and spirit, the Division Bench of Chief Justice Badar Durez Ahmad and
Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey directed the authorities of Social Welfare Department and Home Department to furnish the Action Taken Report (ATR) of previous court directions by next date about conflicting juveniles languishing in jails, police stations as also juvenile homes across the State.
Court after perusal of report filed by Social Welfare Department (SWD) said it is not in tune with Court directions. “Hashim Hussain (SWD counsel) submitted the report, it is inadequate and does not answer to any questions of the court. Fresh status report be filed under the signatures of Secretary SWD and he be personally present in the court on next date”, DB said.
Court has observed that the juveniles conflicting with law are treated as criminals and many things are required to be done by the concerned departments as the bench had directed the authorities to inform it as to how many juveniles have been apprehended by the police authorities since last one year and whether rules of JJ Act have been followed strictly while arresting these juveniles.
Court has also directed for submitting of report with regard to creation of 22 Judicial Magistrates by the Law Secretary as also the constitution of Selection-Cum-Oversight Committee Juvenile Justice Boards.
It is after a lapse of almost two and a half years and repeated directions by the Court, Government has constituted the selection-cum-oversight committee (JJB) for Juveniles in the state which is yet to be made functional.
Secretary Legal Services Authority has been directed to provide the legal aid and legal assistance to those juveniles who are conflicting with law and sought report from him by next date.
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