Calcutta HC Directs Andaman & Nicobar Administration To Ensure Computer Access, E-Connectivity At JJBs, CWCs [Read Order]
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The Calcutta High Court has required the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration to take all steps for purchasing computer systems and for ensuring data connectivity to all the Juvenile Justice Boards and Child Welfare Committees, presently operating in the region.Justices Soumen Sen and Harish Tandon were informed that connectivity is an issue which has not yet been resolved instead...
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The Calcutta High Court has required the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration to take all steps for purchasing computer systems and for ensuring data connectivity to all the Juvenile Justice Boards and Child Welfare Committees, presently operating in the region.
Justices Soumen Sen and Harish Tandon were informed that connectivity is an issue which has not yet been resolved instead of repeated requests being made to the BSNL.
Accordingly, the Division Bench directed the Chief General Manager, BSNL, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, to take immediate steps to ensure that all the JJBs and CWCs have uninterrupted internet connections so that they can function smoothly and without any interruption.
The bench also required the CGM to be present on the next date of hearing to apprise the court of the steps taken in this regard.
CFSLs in other states to expeditiously supply DNA Test and chemical examination reports to POCSO Courts
Perusing the reports filed by the Superintendents of Police of the respective districts, the bench noted that all the Superintendents "echoed concern in one voice" that they are not receiving the reports of DNA Test and Chemical Examination from the Central Forensic Science Laboratories, and in view of such delay in receiving the reports from the said authorities, the trials before the POCSO courts and JJBs have suffered.
Under such circumstances, the court directed the laboratories at Chandigarh, Kolkata and Hyderabad to ensure the supply of the reports of DNA Test and Chemical Examination at the earliest in order to facilitate the trials that are pending.
Further, the bench noticed a few cases where the victim is yet to be rescued and/or restored. "We hope and trust that the police authority shall take immediate steps to rescue and/or restore the victims and proceed with the matter as expeditiously as possible", expressed the court.
Government to not set up COVID hospital in the vicinity of children's home
The bench took note of the communication received from the Principal Magistrate, Juvenile Justice Board, Balurghat and another from the Superintendent, Subhayan Home for Boys, Balurghat, wherefrom it appeared that a newly constructed youth hostel, which is claimed to be adjacent to the JJB, the CWC and the children's Home for Boys, Balurghat, is to be converted as COVID hospital, which may not be in the best interest for the welfare of the children.
In view of the apprehension expressed, the bench directed the State Authorities to not operationalise the said youth hostel building as COVID hospital until further orders.
The bench requested the Advocate General to look into this matter and to apprise the Court about the steps taken in this regard and the decision of the Authorities.
The State Authorities are also required to inform the bench about the health of the inmates of all the children's homes/observation homes and the infrastructural improvements made in all the homes.
[Read Order]