Inspect Juvenile Homes For Deficiency In Facilities And Infrastructure: Delhi HC To State [Read Order]

The Delhi High Court has directed authorities to inspect juvenile homes in the Capital and submit a report on the steps that need to be taken to address the deficiencies in infrastructure and facilities.

The Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C. Hari Shankar directed the Engineer-in-Chief of the State Public Works Department (PWD) to ensure that a physical inspection is undertaken by the team.

It further directed, "An action plan setting out timelines within which the necessary rectification/additional infrastructure would be provided in these Homes shall be placed before us within a period of ten days from today."

The Amici Curiae in the case- Mr. Anant Kumar Asthana and Ms. Bharti Ali- have been directed to go along the PWD team. Besides, it has been left open to the Principal Magistrates of the Judicial Justice Boards to accompany the team in order to ensure that all deficiencies are brought to their notice.

The Court further directed Mr. Vivek Goyal, the Central Government Standing Counsel, to inform it about the working of the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) in Delhi and submit a report on the funds released under the scheme.

The Court's directions came on a suo motu Petition initiated by it on the basis of a media report which had made reference to an inspection of a juvenile home by a Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) team, which had received reports of drug and sexual abuse at a facility. The matter has now been listed on 30 January.