Above: A TV grab of a juvenile home in Tamil Nadu. Photo: YouTube  

The Delhi High Court has taken a suo motu cognizance of the Times of India report on malpractices in boys’ juvenile home (it was reported that when a team of Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) visited the home they found dirty toilets with no doors, rat-infested kitchens and complaints of physical torture).

On Thursday (January 4), the amicus submitted a report in the court in pursuant to last order.

The bench comprising of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar took note of the state run juvenile homes and enquired about the availability of facilities in these homes.

The petitioner submitted to the bench there were a total of 21 homes including Juvenile Justice Board homes.

The bench directed DCPCR and Public Works Department (PWD) to physically inspect and place a report enunciating the necessary requirements mentioned. The Principal Magistrate shall accompany the team as well as chairperson of child welfare committee.

The report shall be submitted to the GNCTD counsel, the bench said.

The bench listed the matter for next hearing to January 30, 2018.

—India Legal Bureau