'14 Deaths In One Month Can't Be A Coincidence': High Court Directs Delhi Govt Social Welfare Secy To Visit Asha Kiran Shelter Home

The Delhi High Court on Monday directed Delhi Government's Social Welfare Secretary to personally visit tomorrow Asha Kiran shelter home where 14 inmates died last month, including a child.

A division bench comprising of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said that 14 deaths in one month in the shelter home cannot be a coincidence.

Noting that the deceased persons were suffering from tuberculosis, the court directed the Delhi Jal Board to test the quality and condition of water in the shelter home forthwith.

The court sought report from the Delhi Jal Board as well as the Secretary on the visit and listed the matter for hearing on August 07.

The court clarified that if there are too many occupants in the shelter home, some of the residents may be shifted to an appropriate location.

The bench was hearing a PIL seeking a court monitored probe into the deaths. The plea, moved by Samadhan Abhiyan, alternatively sought a CBI enquiry in the matter as well as social audit of all shelter homes in the national capital to ensure that the correct picture and living conditions there are brought to light.

The counsel for the petitioner submitted that there are severe lapses in the functioning of the shelter home, including Delhi Government owned bodies.

The Delhi Government's counsel told court that out of 14 inmates who died, only one was a child and others were adults. He informed court that all the deceased persons were suffering from severe category of intellectual disabilities and other comorbidities.

The court was also informed that most of the deaths happened in the hospital and that the post mortem of the bodies of the deceased was done and report is awaited.

The court then said that there are two aspects in the matter; one, criminal investigation and fixing responsibility and two, remedial measures must be taken at the earliest.

“Enquiry will wait but what needs to be done at the earliest is that you carry out curative measures. If there is some problem, find it first and foremost,” the court remarked.

It further said that if there is a shortage of drinking water in the shelter home, it must be ensured that enough water is available. In case there is problem of hygienic conditions, it must be ensured that enough staff is available, the court added.

Title: Samadhan Abhiyan v. GNCTD & Ors.