Allahabad High Court Grants Interim Relief To Child Helpline Operators, Allows Them To Continue On Post

In a petition seeking mandamus to not terminate the services of operators working on Child Helpline (1098), the Allahabad High Court has granted relief to 14 operators who have been working on the said posts in the State of UP.

A petition had been filed by 14 operators challenging the instructions and consequential proceedings for recruitment of manpower for Emergency Response Support System. Further, the petitioners sought a writ of mandamus to continue their services in the integrated Emergency Response Support System.

The services of the petitioners were being terminated on the integration of the State Child Helpline/ Helpdesk with the Emergency Response Support System based on the directions issued by the Union of India. It has been stated that in the Standard Operating Procedure issued by the Union of India, under the eligibility criteria it has been mentioned that personnel having experience of working in Emergency Helpline shall be given preference.

Petitioners have argued that they have been working on the said post for long on contractual basis and have gained significant experience regarding the same. Thus, they should be given preference for the said posts. It is contended that preference not being given to the petitioners is against the policy decision of the Union of India.

A bench comprising of Justice Manish Mathur has directed that the petitioners may continue to operate on the said posts in view of the services rendered by them in the past.

“In view of past services having been rendered by petitioners in aforesaid Helpline, which is an essential feature in the conduct of child welfare, it is directed that till next date of listing, petitioners may be continued as operators of the Child Helpline on such posts where fresh appointment has not yet been made.”

The Court has granted time to the State counsel to seek instructions.