HC asks Dir SWD to remain present on next date in juvenile justice case

The High Court on Thursday ordered director social welfare department Kashmir to remain present in person on August 28 so that “holistic orders” with regard to implementation of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act are passed. 

Division bench of Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Alok Aradhe sought presence of the director after amicus curie Bashir Ahmad Bashir informed the court that condition of some of the Children Homes he had inspected was deplorable. 

   

The court requested Bharti Ali, HAQ, Center for Child Rights New Delhi to provide a list of the facilities and programs required to be provided and are being provided in Child Care Homes – both for children in conflict with law and those in need and protection. 

The bench directed its Registry to send a copy of the order to Bharti, who may respond on e-mail. 

Meanwhile, the court asked the authorities concerned to file action taken report with regard to order it had passed on 30 January by the next date of hearing. 

The court ordered that the governments of India and Jammu and Kashmir shall place a proposal with regard to extending the skill programme to the children in children’s institutions in J&K. 

The court was hearing a PIL seeking to ameliorate conditions of inmates in children care homes. In 2016, taking suo-moto cognisance of a news report in Greater Kashmir on poor facilities at government run orphanages, the HC had treated the report as Public Interest Litigation and initiated proceedings against the state.

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