The Delhi High Court is hearing a matter in which it has taken a suo motu cognizance of the Times of India report “Why boys flee this home at first chance” referring to an inspection by Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) in which they detected irregularities such as rat-infested kitchens, dirty toilets with no doors or soap, complaints of physical abuse etc in the Prayas Children’s Home for Boys in Jahangirpuri.

On Tuesday (July 31), the bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar was informed by the Delhi government’s counsel that lot of work has been carried out and by the end of August all work shall be completed in the Prayas Children’s Home for Boys.

Amicus curiae Bharti Ali said though work is under completion but no guidelines for inspection on child care institutions as per the Rule 41 (Inspection) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Model Rules 2016 has been followed.

Ali pointed out that as per the Rule 41, state inspection committee was not functioning as there is no one who is appointed to chair the committee and convene the meeting.

Rule 41 stipulates that the State Inspection Committee shall consist of a maximum of seven members from among the State Government, namely the Board or Committee, the State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights, the State Human Rights Commission, State Adoption Resource Agency, medical and other experts, voluntary organisations and reputed social workers. The Member-Secretary, State Child Protection Society shall be the Chairperson of the State Inspection Committee.

The bench directed the counsel to submit the status report on the formulation of Committees while also told amicus to inspect the work done in the boys’ home as claimed by the counsel.

—India Legal Bureau