Calcutta HC Takes Suo Moto Case On Risk Of COVID-19 Infection In Children Protection Homes [Read Notification]

A bench comprising Justice Harish Tandon and Justice Soumen Sen will consider the matter titled "Contagion of Covid 19 virus in Children Protection Homes" through Video Conferencing tomorrow at 1.15 PM.

A notification issued in this behalf by the Registrar General states,

"It is hereby notified for information of all concerned that the Hon'ble the Chief Justice, High Court, Calcutta has been pleased to pass the following order: A 'Special Bench' comprising of the Hon'ble Justice Harish Tandon and the Hon'ble Justice Soumen Sen will function on 8th April, 2020 at 1.15 P.M. through video conferencing to hear Suo Moto Writ Petition under Article 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India in connection with Contagion of Covid 19 virus in Children Protection Homes."

Notably, the Supreme Court has already issued detailed directions to Child Care Institutions across the country, asking them to consider whether children should be kept in the respective institutions, considering the best interest, health and safety concerns. It has been directed that families be counseled to ensure that institutionalization is the last resort. Further, they have been asked to ensure safety and availability of personal hygiene products in the institutions.

The Supreme Court had also directed all the Juvenile Justice Boards and Children Courts to consider releasing all children alleged to be in conflict with law on temporary bail, unless there are clear and valid reasons for the application of the proviso to Section 12, JJ Act, 2015.

Read Notification