IN THE HIGH COURT OF UTTARAKHAND AT NAINITAL
Writ Petition (PIL) No. 07 of 2016
Shivangi Gangwar ….Petitioner
Versus
State others ….Respondents
Mr. Shakti Singh, Advocate for the petitioner.
Ms. Prabha Naithani, Brief Holder for the State/respondents.
Judgment Reserved- 11.04.2018
Date of Judgment – 23.05.2018
Coram: Hon’ble Rajiv Sharma, J.
Hon’ble Sharad Kumar Sharma, J.
Per: Hon’ble Rajiv Sharma, J.
On the oral prayer of learned counsel for the
petitioner, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment,
through its Secretary is added/arrayed as respondent no.8,
in view of the letter addressed to one of us (Rajiv Sharma,
J.) by the father of the inmate. Mr. Rakesh Thapliyal,
learned Asst. Solicitor General appearing for Union of India
has waived service of notice on behalf of newly arrayed
respondent.
2. A question of grave public importance has been
raised in the present petition (PIL) highlighting the
molestation, rape, harassment and victimization of Nari
Niketans inmates in the State of Uttarakhand, more
particularly, in Nari Niketan, Kedrapuram, Dehradun.
3. It is averred in the petition that in the State, two
inmates of Nari Niketan, Kedarpuram, Dehradun have died
under mysterious circumstances. One deaf and dumb
inmate has been subjected to rape/sexual harassment and
forcible abortion. The death of two inmates is suspicious.
The State has not taken any appropriate action to ascertain
the cause of death of two inmates. One sweeper was
arrested in sexual harassment of the deaf and dumb
2
inmate of Nari Niketan, Kedarpuram, Dehradun. His DNA
matched with the victim.
4. Petitioner has sought information under the
Right to Information Act, 2005. Petitioner was informed
that in the State of Uttarakhand, there are only three Nari
Niketans i.e. Nari Niketan, Naugaon, District Uttarkashi,
Nari Niketa, Narendra Nagar, Tehri Garhwal and Nari
Niketan, Kedarpuram, District Dehradun. These three Nari
Niketans are situated in Garhwal Division. There is no Nari
Niketan in Kumaon Division.
5. Petitioner has sought information about the
monthly allowance sanctioned to the inmates for their
meals and other expenses. It was informed that the State
Government has sanctioned Rs. 1,600/- per month for
meal and other expenses.
6. A startling revelation has been made when 14
inmates of Nari Niketan, Kedarpuram, Dehradun were
admitted in Doon Hospital. According to the news items
which have appeared in the daily edition of vernacular
newspaper, the inmates are living in inhuman conditions.
The inmates of Nari Niketans are not allowed to go outside
the Nari Niketans except to attend the Court proceedings
and for medical treatment to hospital. The conditions of
shelter homes are also very pathetic.
7. The mentally ill/retarded inmates are also kept
in the Nari Niketans. There is no adequate facility of
psychiatrists for these mentally ill/retarded inmates. The
mentally ill inmates are residing in the Nari Niketans since
1999-2000, as per the information received under the Right
to Information, Act.
8. The different Non-Governmental Organizations
(NGOs’) are also running Nari Niketans/shelter homes.
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However, the conditions of these Nari Niketans/shelter
homes/children homes are also deplorable. No
arrangements have been made for return of inmates to
their homes. It is the duty of the State Government to make
policies in furtherance of Articles 39, 39-A and 47 of the
Constitution of India.
9. There is overcrowding in the Nari Niketans. In
Nari Niketan, Kedarpuram, Dehradun, there are 111
inmates, as per the information supplied under the Right to
Information.
10. Petitioner has prayed that prompt and effective
steps be taken for providing required nutrition, medical
facilities, adequate living standards and protection from
sexual harassment to the inmates residing at Government
Nari Niketans and shelter homes run by the Government as
well as by NGOs’. An Inquiry Committee be constituted
under the supervision of this Court to find out the culprits
who were committing rape and forcible abortion of inmates
of Nari Niketan, Kedarpuram, Dehradun. The inmates be
made self-dependant. A mandamus be issued directing the
respondents to take effective steps for increasing the
number of Nari Niketans in the State in each district.
11. It has come in the counter affidavit of respondent
no.4 that the Government is running two other centers i.e.
Government Protection Home, Almora and District Shelter
Home, Haldwani. The inmates were provided the diet as per
the Menu Chart. The CCTV cameras have been installed.
There is proper medical aid. It is also admitted in the
counter affidavit that the mentally ill/retarded inmates are
also housed in the Nari Niketan. It is also admitted that one
inmate who is deaf and dumb was sexually exploited by the
employees of the Nari Niketan, Dehradun. Nine employees
were arrested by the police. They were sent to jail. The DNA
4
sample of one sweeper matched with the victim. The trial
bearing Sessions Trial No.59 of 2016 is pending before the
Sessions Judge, Dehradun. They have been put under
suspension and the services of the contractual employees
have been terminated.
12. The State Government vide order dated
02.01.2016 has increased the monthly allowance of the
inmates to Rs.3,050/-.
13. It is also averred in the counter affidavit that 14
inmates were taken ill. They were taken to Doon Hospital
and after treatment, they were discharged. The District
Magistrate, Nainital has taken the cognizance of the news
items and visited the shelter home at Haldwani on
09.03.2015. The Nari Niketan was inspected by the
Secretary, District Legal Service Authority, Nainital and
learned Senior Magistrate, Juvenile Justice Board.
Vocational training was provided to the inmates of Nari
Niketan/District Shelter Home. National Institute for
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development
(NIESBID) imparting training of knitting and weaving to the
normal inmates. Sewing/tailoring training was also
imparted to the inmates of the Yuva Kalyan Vibhag,
Almora. The Home Guards and the Women Constables were
deployed to protect the inmates. It has come in the news
item that one 35 years’ old inmate has died on 17th
December and another has died on 25th December. The
four inmates on 28th December and three inmates on 29th
December were admitted in hospital. There are two
foreigners staying in the Nari Niketan.
14. A startling revelation has been made in the
affidavit that in Nari Niketan, Kedarpuram, Dehradun,
there are 3 inmates, who are physically fit. There are 14
inmates who are mentally ill/ retarded in Nari Niketan,
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Kedarpuram. In Haridwar, there are 48 mentally
ill/retarded inmates. In Haldwani, there are 19 inmates,
who are mentally ill/retarded.
15. What emerges from the facts enumerated
hereinabove is that the State Government is running three
Nari Niketans and two shelter homes at Haldwani and
Almora. The conditions of these Nari Niketans are
deplorable. The mentally ill/retarded inmates are also kept
with their children in Nari Niketan, which is not
permissible under the Law. The inmates were initially paid
monthly allowance Rs.1,600/- which was revised later on
to Rs.3,050/- vide Government Order dated 02.01.2016.
Two inmates have died in mysterious circumstances and no
inquiry was held to fix the responsibility. One deaf and
dumb girl was sexually exploited by the staff of the Nari
Niketan, Kedarpuram, Dehradun. The DNA of the sweeper
matched with the victim. They are facing trial before the
Sessions Court, Dehradun. The contractual employees have
been terminated. The regularly appointed employees of Nari
Niketan have been put under suspension. 14 children were
suffering from malnutrition. They have been taken to
hospital. The District Magistrate has also visited the shelter
home at Haldwani. He noticed deplorable conditions
prevailing in the shelter home. There are no recreational
facilities provided to them. They are not permitted to come
out to Nari Niketan except to go to the Courts of Law and
hospital for treatment. The State Government has not taken
any steps to restore the inmates of Nari Niketan to their
parents/guardian.
16. The Parliament has enacted the Act called the
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
(hereinafter referred to as the Act, 2015), to consolidate and
amend the law relating to children alleged and found to be
in conflict with law and children in need of care and
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protection by catering to integration, by adopting a child-
friendly approach in the adjudication and disposal of
matters in the best interest of children and for their
rehabilitation through processes provided, and institutions
and bodies established.
17. Section 2(1) of the Act, 2015 defines “abandoned
child.”
18. Section 2(5) defines “aftercare.”
19. Section 2(9) defines ‘best interest of child.’
20. Section 2(12) defines “child.”
21. Section 2(14) defines “child in need of care and
protection” as under:-
“(i) who is found without any home or settled place of
abode and without any ostensible means of subsistence;
or
(ii) who is found working in contravention of labour laws
for the time being in force or is found begging, or living
on the street; or
(iii) who resides with a person (whether a guardian of the
child or not) and such person–
(a) has injured, exploited, abused or neglected the
child or has violated any other law for the time
being in force meant for the protection of child; or
(b) has threatened to kill, injure, exploit or abuse
the child and there is a reasonable likelihood of the
threat being carried out; or
(c) has killed, abused, neglected or exploited some
other child or children and there is a reasonable
likelihood of the child in question being killed,
abused, exploited or neglected by that person; or
(iv) who is mentally ill or mentally or physically
challenged or suffering from terminal or incurable
disease, having no one to support or look after or having
parents or guardians unfit to take care, if found so by the
Board or the Committee; or
(v) who has a parent or guardian and such parent or
guardian is found to be unfit or incapacitated, by the
Committee or the Board, to care for and protect the
safety and well-being of the child; or
(vi) who does not have parents and no one is willing to
take care of, or whose parents have abandoned or
surrendered him; or
(vii) who is missing or run away child, or whose parents
cannot be found after making reasonable inquiry in such
manner as may be prescribed; or
(viii) who has been or is being or is likely to be abused,
tortured or exploited for the purpose of sexual abuse or
illegal acts; or
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(ix) who is found vulnerable and is likely to be inducted
into drug abuse or trafficking; or
(x) who is being or is likely to be abused for
unconscionable gains; or
(xi) who is victim of or affected by any armed conflict,
civil unrest or natural calamity; or
(xii) who is at imminent risk of marriage before attaining
the age of marriage and whose parents, family members,
guardian and any other persons are likely to be
responsible for solemnisation of such marriage.”
22. Section 2(15) defines “child friendly.”
23. Section 2(19) defines “Children’s Home.”
24. Section 2(21) defines “child care institution.”
25. Section 2(27) defines “fit facility.”
26. Section 2(29) defines “foster care.”
27. Section 2(40) defines “observation home.”
28. Section 2(41) defines “open shelter.”
29. Section 2(42) defines “orphan.”
30. Section 3 provides for General Principles to be
followed in administration of Act.
31. Section 4 provides for Juvenile Justice Board.
32. Chapter V deals with Child Welfare Committee.
33. Section 27 provides for constitution of Child
Welfare Committee.
34. Functions and responsibilities of Committee are
provided under Section 30.
35. Chapter VI provides for procedure in relation to
Children in need of Care and Protection.
36. Section 31 provides that any child in need of care
and protection may be produced before the Committee by
the persons mentioned therein.
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37. Section 32 provides for mandatory reporting
regarding a child found separated from guardian, any
organization or a nursing home or hospital or maternity
home etc.
38. Section 33 provides that non-reporting of child
found separated from guardian is an offence, which can
lead to six months’ imprisonment.
39. The procedure of Inquiry is provided under
Section 36.
40. Section 37 deals with orders passed regarding a
child in need of care and protection.
41. Section 40 provides that the restoration and
protection of a child shall be the prime objective of any
Children’s Home, Specialised Adoption Agency or open
shelter.
42. Section 41 provides for registration of Child Care
Institutions.
43. Section 43 provides for open shelter.
44. Section 44 provides for foster care.
45. Section 47 provides for observation homes.
46. Section 48 provides for special homes.
47. Section 49 provides for place of safety.
48. Section 53 deals with rehabilitation and re-
integration services in institutions registered under the Act
and management thereof as under:-
“(i) basic requirements such as food, shelter, clothing and
medical attention as per the prescribed standards;
(ii) equipment such as wheel-chairs, prosthetic devices,
hearing aids, braille kits, or any other suitable aids and
appliances as required, for children with special needs;
(iii) appropriate education, including supplementary
education, special education, and appropriate education
for children with special needs:
9
Provided that for children between the age of six to
fourteen years, the provisions of the Right of Children to
Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (35 of 2009)
shall apply;
(iv) skill development;
(v) occupational therapy and life skill education;
(vi) mental health interventions, including counselling
specific to the need of the child;
(vii) recreational activities including sports and cultural
activities;
(viii) legal aid where required;
(ix) referral services for education, vocational training, de-
addiction, treatment of diseases where required;
(x) case management including preparation and follow up
of individual care plan;
(xi) birth registration;
(xii) assistance for obtaining the proof of identity, where
required; and
(xiii) any other service that may reasonably be provided
in order to ensure the well-being of the child, either
directly by the State Government, registered or fit
individuals or institutions or through referral services.
(2) Every institution shall have a Management
Committee, to be set up in a manner as may be prescribed, to
manage the institution and monitor the progress of every child.
(3) The officer in-charge of every institution, housing
children above six years of age, shall facilitate setting up of
children’s committees for participating in such activities as may
be prescribed, for the safety and well-being of children in the
institution.”
49. Section 54 provides for inspection of institutions
registered under the Act as under:-
“(1) The State Government shall appoint inspection
committees for the State and district, as the case may be,
for all institutions registered or recognised to be fit under
this Act for such period and for such purposes, as may
be prescribed.
(2) Such inspection committees shall mandatorily
conduct visits to all facilities housing children in the area
allocated, at least once in three months in a team of not
less than three members, of whom at least one shall be a
woman and one shall be a medical officer, and submit
reports of the findings of such visits within a week of
their visit, to the District Child Protection Units or State
Government, as the case may be, for further action.
(3) On the submission of the report by the inspection
committee within a week of the inspection, appropriate
action shall be taken within a month by the District
Child Protection Unit or the State Government and a
compliance report shall be submitted to the State
Government”
50. Section 92 deals with placement of a child
suffering from disease requiring prolonged medical
treatment in an approved place.
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51. Section 93 provides for transfer of a child who is
mentally ill or addicted to alcohol or other drugs.
52. Section 95 provides for transfer of a child to
place of residence.
53. Section 97 provides for release of a child from an
institution.
54. Section 108 provides for public awareness on
provisions of Act.
55. Section 109 provides that the National
Commission for Protection of Child Rights constituted
under Section 3 and the State Commission for Protection of
Child Rights constituted under Section 17, in addition to
the functions assigned to them under the Act, also monitor
the implementation of the provisions of the Act.
56. Section 110 empowers the State Government, by
notification in the Official Gazette, to make rules to carry
out the purposes of the Act. The Central Government has
also been permitted to make the Rules in respect of all or
any of the matters with respect to which the State
Government is required to make rules and where any such
model rules have been framed in respect of any such
matter, they shall apply to the State mutatis mutandis until
the rules in respect of that matter are made by the State
Government. The rules made by the State Government are
supposed to conform to such model rules.
57. The Central Government has framed the Rules
called “Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children)
Model Rules, 2016 (hereinafter referred to the Model Rules,
2016).” These have been notified in the Gazette of India,
Extraordinary on 21.09.2016.
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58. Chapter IV of the Model Rules, 2016 provides for
Composition and Qualifications of Members of the Child
Welfare Committee.
59. The procedure in relation to Children in need of
Care and Protection is provided under Chapter 5.
60. The Rehabilitation and Social Re-integration is
provided under Chapter VI.
61. Rule 26 provides for management and
monitoring of Child Care Institutions.
62. Rule 27 provides for Fit facility.
63. Rule 29 provides for physical infrastructure.
64. Rule 30 provides for clothing, bedding, toiletries
and other articles.
65. Rule 31 provides for sanitation and hygiene.
66. Rule 32 provides for daily routine.
67. Rule 33 provides for nutrition and diet scale.
68. Rule 34 provides for medical care.
69. Rule 35 provides for mental health.
70. Rule 36 provides for education.
71. Rule 37 provides for vocational training.
72. Rule 38 provides for recreational facilities.
73. Rule 39 provides for management committee.
74. Rule 40 provides for Children’s Committees.
75. Duties and the Persons-in-charge of a Child Care
Institution are provided under Rule 61.
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76. Duties of the House Mother or House Father are
provided under Rule 63.
77. Duties of Probation Officer are provided under
Rule 64.
78. Rule 66 provides for staff discipline.
79. Types of stay at the Child Care Institution:
In case of at the children in need of care and
protection, there are two types of stay of children at the
Child Care Institution:-
(i) Overnight protective stay;
(ii) Rehabilitation stay.
80. Rule 74 provides for visits to and communication
with children.
81. Rule 75 provides for death of a child. It reads as
under:-
“(1) The institution must ensure that an inquest and
post-mortem examination is held at the earliest.
(ii) In case of natural death or death due to illness of a
child, the Person-in-charge shall obtain a report of the
Medical Officer stating the cause of death and a written
intimation about the death shall be given immediately to
the nearest Police Station, Board or Committee and the
parents or guardians or relatives of the child.
(iii) Immediate information shall be given by the case-
worker or Probation Officer or Child Welfare Officer to the
Person-in-charge and the Medical Officer and the Person-
in-charge shall immediately inform the nearest police
station, Board or Committee and parents or guardians or
relatives of the deceased child.
(iv) If a child dies within twenty-four hours of his
admission to the Child Care Institution, the Person-
incharge of the Child Care Institution shall report the
matter to the police and the District Medical Officer or
the nearest Government hospital and the parents or
guardians or relatives of such child without delay.
(v) The Person-in-charge and the Medical Officer of the
Child Care Institution shall record the circumstances of
the death of the child and send a report to the concerned
Magistrate, the police, the Board or the Committee or the
Children’s Court and the District Medical Officer or the
nearest Government hospital where the dead body of the
child is sent for examination and determination of the
cause of death and the person-in charge and the Medical
Officer shall also record in writing their views on the
13cause of death, if any, and submit it to the concerned
Magistrate and to the police.
(vi) The Person-in-charge and the Medical Officer at the
Child Care Institution shall make themselves available
for any inquiry initiated by the police or the Magistrate
regarding the cause of death and other details regarding
such child.
(vii) As soon as the inquest is over, the body of the child
shall be handed over to the parent or guardian or
relatives or, in the absence of any claimant, the last rites
shall be performed under the supervision of the Person-
in-charge of the Child Care Institution in accordance
with the known religion of the child after retaining a
photograph of the child for future reference.”
82. Rule 76 deals with abuse and exploitation of the
Child. It reads as under:-
“(1) Every institution shall evolve a system of ensuring that
there is no abuse, neglect and maltreatment and shall include
the staff who is aware of what constitutes abuse, neglect and
maltreatment, and their early indication and how to respond to
these abuses.
(2) In the event of any physical, sexual or emotional abuse,
including neglect of children in an institution by those
responsible for care and protection, the following action shall
be taken namely:
(i) the incidents of abuse and exploitation shall be
reported by any staff member of the institution
immediately to the Person-in-charge on receiving such
information;
(ii) when an allegation of physical, sexual or emotional
abuse comes to the knowledge of the Person-incharge, a
report shall be placed before the Board or Committee,
who in turn shall, order for special investigation;
(iii) the Board or Committee shall direct the local police
station or Special Juvenile Police Unit to register a case,
take due cognizance of such incidents and conduct
necessary investigation;
(iv) the Board or Committee shall take necessary steps to
ensure completion of inquiry and provide legal aid as well
as counselling to the child victim;
(v) the Board or Committee shall transfer such a child to
another institution or place of safety or fit person, as the
case may be;
(vi) the Person-in-charge of the institution shall also
inform the Chairperson of the Management Committee
and place a copy of the report of the incident and
subsequent action taken in its next meeting;
(vii) in the event of any other crime committed in respect
of children in institutions, the Board or Committee shall
take cognizance and arrange for necessary investigation
to be carried out by the local police or Special Juvenile
Police Unit;
(viii) the Board or Committee may consult Children’s
Committee setup in each institution to enquire into the
fact of abuse and exploitation as well as seek assistance
from voluntary organisations, child rights experts, mental
health experts or crisis intervention centres in dealing
14with matters of abuse and exploitation of children in an
institution.”
83. Rule 81 provides for transfer of child.
84. Rule 82 provides for restoration and follow-up of
child. It reads as under:-
“(1) The Board or the Committee or the Children’s Court
may make an order in Form 44 for the release of the child
placed in a Child Care Institution after hearing the child and
his parents or guardian, and after satisfying itself as to the
identity of the persons claiming to be the parents or the
guardian.
(2) While passing an order for restoration of the child, the
Board or the Committee or the Children’s Court shall take into
account the reports of the Probation Officer, social worker or
Child Welfare Officer or Case Worker or non-governmental
organisation, including report of a home study prepared on the
direction of the Board or the Committee or the Children’s Court
in appropriate cases, and any other relevant document or
report brought before the Board or the Committee or the
Children’s Court.
(3) The order of restoration shall include an individual care
plan prepared by the Probation Officer or the social worker or
the Child Welfare Officer or Case Worker or non-governmental
organisation.
(4) The Board or the Committee or the Children’s Court, while
directing restoration of the child, may pass order for an escort
in Form 45, where necessary.
(5) Besides police, the Board or the Committee may seek
collaboration with non-governmental organisations to
accompany the child back to the family for restoration.
(6) In case of girls, the child shall necessarily be accompanied
by female escorts.
(7) The copy of the restoration order along with a copy of the
order for escort shall be forwarded by the Board or the
Committee or the Children’s Court to the District Child
Protection Unit which shall provide funds for the restoration of
the child, including travel and other incidental expenses.
(8) When a child expresses his unwillingness to be restored
back to the family, the Board or the Committee or the
Children’s Court shall interact with the child to find out the
reasons for the same and record the same and the child shall
not be coerced or persuaded to go back to the family. The child
may also not be restored back to the family where the social
investigation report prepared by the Child Welfare Officer or the
social worker or the Case Worker or the non-governmental
organisation establishes that restoration to family may not be
in the interest of the child. The child would also not be restored
back to the family where the parents or guardians refuse to
accept the child back. In all such cases, the Board or the
Committee or the Children’s Court may provide alternative
means for rehabilitation.
(9) A follow-up plan shall be prepared as part of the individual
care plan by the Probation Officer or the Child Welfare Officer
or the Case Worker or the social worker or the non-
governmental organisation.
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(10) The follow-up report shall state the situation of the child
post restoration and the measures necessary in order to reduce
further vulnerability of the child.”
85. Rule 84 provides for the duties to be performed
by the State Child Protection Society as under:-
“(i) overseeing the implementation of the Act and the
rules framed thereunder in the State and supervision and
monitoring of agencies and institutions under the Act;
(ii) addressing road-blocks, issues, complaints received
regarding care and protection of children;
(iii) ensure that all institutions set up under the Act and the
rules are in place and performing their assigned duties;
(iv) reviewing reports received from various District Child
Protection Units on the functioning of institutions in various
districts and take action to facilitate the protection of children
wherever necessary and monitoring the functioning of the
District Child Protection Units;
(v) develop programmes for foster care, sponsorship and after-
care;
(vi) inquire into, seek reports and make recommendations in
cases of death or suicide in Child Care Institutions and under
other institutional care;
(vii) ensure inter-department coordination and liaising with the
relevant departments of the State and Central Governments
and State Child Protection Societies of other States or Union
Territories;
(viii) networking and coordinating with civil society
organisations working for the effective implementation of the
Act and the rules;
(ix) maintaining a state level database of all children in
institutional care and family based noninstitutional care and
updating it on a quarterly basis;
(x) maintaining a database of Child Care Institutions,
Specialised Adoption Agencies, open shelters, fit persons and fit
facilities, registered foster parents, sponsors, after care
organisations and other institutions at the State level;
(xi) maintaining a database of medical and counselling centres,
de-addiction centres, hospitals, open schools, education
facilities, apprenticeship and vocational training programmes
and centres, recreational facilities such as performing arts, fine
arts and facilities for children with special needs and other
such facilities at the State level;
(xii) monitoring and administering the Juvenile Justice Fund
set up by the State Government including disbursal of funds to
the District Child Protection Units, Special Juvenile Police
Units and police stations, as the case may be;
(xiii) maintaining separate accounts for all funds received by
the State Child Protection Society such as the Juvenile Justice
Fund, funds under Schemes of Central and State Government
and getting the same audited;
(xiv) generate awareness among public on various aspects of
the Act and the rules made thereunder specifically the existing
institutional framework, rehabilitation measures, penalties,
procedures for better protection of children;
(xv) organise and conduct programmes for the implementation
of the Act including training and capacity building of
stakeholders;
(xvi) commission research programmes on child protection;
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(xvii) co-ordinate with State Legal Services Authority and law
schools; and
(xviii) any other function for the effective implementation of the
Act and the rules made thereunder.
(3) The Member- Secretary of the State Child Protection Society
shall be the Nodal Officer in the State for the implementation of
the Act and the rules.”
86. Rule 92 provides for Inquiry in case of a Missing
Child.
87. Rule 93 empowers the State Government to take
action against the Non-Compliance of the Act and the Rules
framed therein.
88. The Government of India has adopted “National
Charter for Children, 2003.” Its salient features are as
under:-
“1. Survival, Life and Liberty.- (a.) The State and community
shall undertake all possible measures to ensure and protect the
survival, life and liberty of all children.
(b.) In particular, the State and community will undertake all
appropriate measures to address the problems of infanticide
and foeticide, especially of female child and all other emerging
manifestations that deprive the girl child of her right to survive
with dignity.
2. Promoting High Standards of Health and Nutrition.- (a.)
The State shall take measures to ensure that all children enjoy
the highest attainable standards of health, and provide for
preventive and curative facilities at all levels especially
immunisation and prevention of micronutrient deficiencies for
all children.
(b.) The State shall take measures to cover, under primary
health facilities and specialised care and treatment, all children
of families below the poverty line.
(c.) The State shall take measures to provide adequate pre-
natal and post-natal care for mothers along with immunization
against preventable diseases.
(d.) The State shall undertake measures to provide for a
national plan that will ensure that the mental health of all
children is protected.
(e.) The State shall take steps to ensure protection of children
from all practices that are likely to harm the child’s physical
and mental health.
3. The State shall take steps to provide all children from
families below the poverty line with adequate supplementary
nutrition and undertake adequate measures for ensuring
access to safe drinking water and environmental sanitation and
hygiene.
4. Assuring Basic Minimum Needs and Security.- (a.) The
State recognizes that the basic minimum needs of every child
must be met, that foster full development of the child’s
faculties.
17
(b.) In order to ensure this, the State shall in partnership with
the community provide social security for children, especially
for abandoned children and street children.
(c.) State and community shall try and remove the fundamental
causes which result in abandoned children and children living
on streets, and provide infrastructural and material support by
way of shelter, education, nutrition and recreation.
5. Play and Leisure.- The State and community shall
recognise that all children require adequate play and leisure for
their healthy development and must ensure means to provide
for recreational facilities and services for children of all ages
and social groups.
6. Early Childhood Care for Survival, Growth and
Development.- (a.) The State shall in partnership with the
community provide early childhood care for all children and
encourage programmes which will stimulate and develop their
physical and cognitive capacities.
(b.) The State shall in partnership with the community aim at
providing a child care centre in every village where infants and
children of working mothers can be adequately cared for. c. The
State will make special efforts to provide these facilities to
children from SCs/STs and marginalised sections of society.
8. Protection from Economic Exploitation and All Forms of
Abuse.- (a.) The State shall provide protection to children from
economic exploitation and from performing tasks that are
hazardous to their well-being.
(b.) The State shall ensure that there is appropriate regulation
of conditions of work in occupations and processes where
children perform work of a non-hazardous nature and that
their rights are protected.
(c.) The State shall move towards a total ban of all forms of
child labour.
11. Protection of the Girl Child.- (a.) The State and
community shall ensure that crimes and atrocities committed
against the girl child, including child marriage, discriminatory
practices, forcing girls into prostitution and trafficking are
speedily eradicated.
(b.) The State shall in partnership with the community
undertake measures, including social, educational and legal, to
ensure that there is greater respect for the girl child in the
family and society.
(c.) The State shall take serious measures to ensure that the
practice of child marriage is speedily abolished.
19. Protection of Children with Disabilities.- (a.) The State
and community recognise that all children with disabilities
must be helped to lead a full life with dignity and respect. All
measures would be undertaken to ensure that children with
disabilities are encouraged to be integrated into the
mainstream society and actively participate in all walks of life.
(b.) State and community shall also provide for their education,
training, health care, rehabilitation, recreation in a manner
that will contribute to their overall growth and development.
(c.) State and community shall launch preventive programmes
against disabilities and early detection of disabilities so as to
ensure that the families with disabled children receive adequate
support and assistance in bringing up their children.
(d.) The State shall encourage research and development in the
field of prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of various
forms of disabilities.”
18
89. We have received a letter on 09.05.2018 written
by one of the inmates to one of us (Rajiv Sharma, J.),
whereby the guardian has highlighted the sexual assault of
his 11 years old blind son at National Institute for the
Visually Handicapped, 116, Rajpur Road, Dehradun. The
matter was also taken up by the guardian with the
Uttarakhand Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
The Secretary, Uttarakhand Commission for Protection of
Child Rights has written a letter to Senior Superintendent
of Police, Dehradun on 05.05.2018 to inquire the matter
but till date, no action has been taken against the teacher,
who has sexually assaulted the son of the complainant. The
name of the student is withheld. The documents were
permitted to be placed on record along with envelop.
90. The parliament has enacted the Act called “The
Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005.” The
State Government has constituted the State Commissions
for Protection of Child Rights under Section 17 of the Act,
2005.
91. According to the Section 27 of the Act, 2015,
there is a provision for appointment of Child Welfare
Committee. The procedure has been laid down under Rule
15 of the Model Rules, 2016 for the constitution of Child
Welfare Committee. The Chairpersons and members of the
Committee are to be appointed as per Rule 15(2) by the
State Government on the recommendation of the Selection
Committee constituted under rule 87 of the rules. Rule 87
reads as under:-
“87. Selection Committee and its composition.- (1) The
State Government shall constitute a Selection Committee for a
period of three years by notification in the Official Gazette
consisting of the following members, namely:
(i) a retired judge of High Court as the Chairperson to be
appointed in consultation with the Chief Justice of the
High Court concerned;
(ii) one representative from the Department implementing
the Act not below the rank of Director as the ex-officio
Member Secretary;
19
(iii) two representatives from two different reputed non-
governmental organisations respectively working in the
area of child development or child protection for a
minimum period of seven years but not running or
managing any children’s institution;
(iv) two representatives from academic bodies or
Universities preferably from the faculty of social work,
psychology, sociology, child development, health,
education, law, and with special knowledge or experience
of working on children’s issues for a minimum period of
seven years; and
(v) a representative of the State Commission for
Protection of Child Rights.”
(2) The Committee shall continue for a maximum period of
three months after the completion of its tenure by which time
new Committee shall be constituted.
(3) If a vacancy arises in the Selection Committee, the Member
Secretary shall intimate the Secretary of the Department
implementing the Act who shall take steps to fill the vacancy
for the remaining period at the earliest.
(4) The quorum for the meeting of the Selection Committee
shall be not less than four Members, including the Chairperson
and the Member Secretary.
(5) The Member Secretary of the Selection Committee shall
convene the meetings of the Selection Committee at such times
as may be necessary for facilitating and carrying out the
functions of the Selection Committee.
(6) The Member Secretary shall maintain the minutes of the
selection process and all other meetings of the Selection
Committee.
(7) The Chairperson and non-official members of the Selection
Committee shall be paid such sitting fees and travel allowances
as may be fixed by the State Government from time to time.
(8) All communications relating to the working and discharge of
the functions of the Selection Committee shall be addressed to
the Office of the Member Secretary, who shall place the same
before the Selection Committee.
(9) All records relating to selection shall be placed on the
website of the State Government Department concerned.”
92. The State Government, till date, has not
constituted the Child Welfare Committee, as per Section 27
read with Rule 15 and Rule 87.
93. Section 41, as enumerated hereinabove, provides
for Registration of child care institutions for housing
children in need of care and protection or children in
conflict with law, as prescribed under the Rules. Rule 21
prescribes the procedure in manner, in which the Child
Care Institutions are to be registered.
94. Section 43 read with Rule 22 provides for Open
Shelter. Sub-rule 5 of Rule 22 provides that the services
20
provided in the open shelters may include day care and
night residential facilities including food, washing facilities
and toilets. The capacity of an open shelter should be such
as to accommodate twenty-five to fifty children at one time
and should include a kitchen, dining facilities, bathrooms
and toilets, lockers and recreational facilities.
95. Section 44 provides that the children in need of
care and protection may be placed in foster care. Rule 23
provides that the State Government may place children in
need of care and protection in foster care including group
foster care through order of the Committee for a short or
extended period of time.
96. Section 45 deals with sponsorship. Rule 24
provides the manner, in which, the State Government shall
prepare sponsorship programmes, which may include:
“i. individual to individual sponsorship.
ii. group sponsorship;
iii. community sponsorship;
iv. support to families through sponsorship; and
v. support to Children Homes and Special Homes.”
97. Section 46 provides for after care of children
leaving child care institution. Rule 25 obligates the State
government to prepare a programme for children who have
to leave Child Care Institutions on attaining eighteen years
of age by providing for their education, giving them
employment skills and placement as well as providing them
places for stay to facilitate their re-integration into the
mainstream of society.
98. Section 50 provides for Children’s Home. The
Management and Monitoring of Child Care Institutions are
provided under Rule 26.
99. Section 51 provides for fit facility. The manner,
in which, the Board or the Committee shall on an
application from any institution or organization run by
21
Government or non-governmental organization, recognize
the facility is laid down under Rule 27.
100. Section 75 lays down the punishment for cruelty
to child, corresponding with Rule 55.
101. Section 77 provides for imposing of penalty for
giving intoxicating liquor or narcotic drug or psychotropic
substance to a child. The procedure is laid down under
Rule 56.
102. The using of child for vending, peddling,
carrying, supplying or smuggling any intoxicating liquor,
narcotic drug or psychotropic substance is provided under
Section 78. The procedure for dealing with the same is
provided under Rule 57.
103. Section 81 lays down the punishment for sale
and procurement of children for any purpose. The
procedure for dealing with same is provided under Rule 59.
104. Section 82 provides for that any person in-
charge of or employed in a child care institution, who
subjects to a child to corporal punishment with the aim of
disciplining the child, shall be liable for punishment.
Corresponding procedure is provided under Rule 60.
105. Section 106 provides for constituting of State
Child Protection Society and District Child Protection Unit.
The functions of State Child Protection Society are provided
under Rule 84 and the functions of District Child
Protection Unit are provided under Rule 85.
106. It is the duty of the State to make special
provisions for children under Article 15(3) of the
Constitution of India. Article 24 prohibits employment of
children below the age of fourteen years in any factory or
mine or in any other hazardous employment. Article 39(e)
22
provides that the tender age of children is not abused and
the children are forced to enter avocations unsuited to their
age or strength. Article 39(f) provides that the children are
given opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy
manner and in conditions of freedom and dignity and that
childhood and youth are protected against exploitation and
against moral and material abandonment.
107. It is the fundamental duty of every parent and
guardian to provide educational facilities between the age of
6-14 years under Article 51A (k). It is the duty cast upon
the State Government to protect lift, dignity and liberty of
all children. It should promote high standard of health and
nutrition. The State should provide healthy environment to
the children. They should be protected from economic
exploitation. The focus should be to protect girl child. All
the children should be treated equally within
discrimination on the ground only of religion, race, caste or
class etc. Every child has a right to family and in case of
separation, the State should make endeavor to reunify the
child with its parents. The children with disability should
be given utmost attention. The procedure adopted should
be child friendly, as per National Charter for Children,
2003.
108. It is shocking that a deaf and dumb child was
subjected to sexual exploitation regularly. She became
pregnant. She was made to undergo abortion. Fetus was
found in the forest. This action has destroyed her soul. The
perpetuous of this heinous crime is required to be dealt
with seriously. The deaf and dumb inmate (name withheld)
is entitled to adequate compensation/pension to enable her
to meet both ends meet after leaving the Child Care
Institution. It is the systematic failure of the system which
led to her sexual exploitation. She has a right to live with
dignity and honour. The supervisory staff of the institutions
23
where she was housed was remiss in discharge of their
duties. No amount of money can bring her honour and
dignity back. We while exercising our parens patriea
jurisdiction are under obligation to duly compensate her.
109. In the present case, the inmate was infact
staying in Government owned/run Child Care Institution.
The State has vicarious liability to pay compensation for
the acts of its employees. The doctrine of sovereign power is
not applicable in welfare State where the functions of the
State now extend to various fields. The inmate was battered
and shattered due to acts of the employees of Child Care
Institution.
110. The House of Lords in 1964 (1) of All England
Law Reports have held that English Law recognized the
awarding of exemplary damages, that is, damages whose
object was to punish or deter and which were distinct from
aggravated damages(whereby the motives and conduct of
the defendant aggravating the injury to the plaintiff would
be taken into account in assessing compensatory
damages); and there were two categories of cases in which
an award of exemplary damages could serve a useful
purpose, viz., in the case of oppressive, arbitrary or
unconstitutional action by the servants of the government,
and in the case where the defendant’s conduct had been
calculated by him to make a profit for himself, which might
well exceed the compensation payable to the plaintiff. Their
Lordships have held as under:
“In my opinion, therefore, the appeal should succeed and
the judgment of SACHS, J. (129)on liability should be restored.
Counsel for the respondents has submitted that it ought not be
restored in its entirety. He asks for a new trial on damages on
the ground that the learned judge misdirected the jury on this
issue. The cardinal feature of the summing-upon this part of
the case was a direction to the jury that they might (counsel for
the respondents submits that it amounted almost to “must”)
award exemplary damages and your lordships have therefore
listened to a very penetrating discussion about the nature of
exemplary damages and the circumstances in which an award
24
is appropriate. The Court of Appeal, having found for the
respondents on liability, did not consider this issue, so your
lordships must begin at the beginning. Exemplary damages are
essentially different from ordinary damages. The object of
damages in the usual sense of the term is to compensate. The
object of exemplary damages is to punish and deter. It may well
be thought that this confuses the civil and criminal functions
of the law; and indeed, so far as I know, the idea of exemplary
damages is peculiar to English law. There is not any decision of
this House approving an award of exemplary damages and your
lordships therefore have to consider whether it is open to the
House to remove an anomaly from the law of England.
In Benson V. Frederick (136) the plaintiff a common
soldier, obtained damages of `150 against his colonel who had
ordered him to be flogged so as to vex a fellow officer. LORD
MANSFIELD, C.J., said (137) that the damages “were very
great, and beyond the proportion of what the man had
suffered”. But the sum awarded was upheld as damages in
respect of an arbitrary and unjustifiable action and not more
than the defendant was able to pay. These authorities clearly
justified the use of the exemplary principle; and for my part I
should not wish, even if I felt at liberty to do so, to diminish its
use in this type of case where it serves a valuable purpose in
restraining the arbitrary and outrageous use of executive
power.
My lords, I express no view on whether the Copyright
Act, 1956, authorizes an award of exemplary, as distinct from
aggravated damages. But there are certainly two other Acts of
Parliament which mention exemplary damages by name. The
Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1934, S. 1(2)(a),
provides that where a cause of action survives for the benefit of
the estate of a deceased person, the damages recoverable shall
not include any exemplary damages. The Reserve and
Auxiliary Forces (Protection of Civil Interests) Act, 1953, s.
13(2), provides that in any action for damages for conversion in
respect of goods falling within the statute the court may take
into account the defendant’s conduct and award exemplary
repugnant about a big man bullying a small man and very
likely the bullying will be a source of humiliation that makes
the case one for aggravated damages, but it is not in my
opinion punishable by damages. These authorities convince me
of two things. First, that your lordships could not without a
complete disregard of precedent, and indeed of statute, now
arrive at a determination that refused altogether to recognize
the exemplary principle. Secondly, that there are certain
categories of cases in which an award of exemplary damages
can serve a useful purpose in vindicating the strength of the
law, and thus affording a practical justification for admitting
into the civil law a principle which ought logically to belong to
the criminal. I propose to state what these two categories are;
and I propose also to state three general considerations which,
in my opinion, should always be borne in mind when awards of
exemplary damages are being made. I am well aware that what
I am about to say will, if accepted, impose limits not hitherto
expressed on such awards and that there is powerful, though
not compelling, authority for allowing them a wider range. I
shall not therefore conclude what I have to say on the general
principles of law without returning to the authorities and
making it clear to what extent I have rejected the guidance
which they may be said to afford.
25
The first category is oppressive, arbitrary or
unconstitutional action by the servants of the government. I
should not extend this category, -I say this with particular
reference to the facts of this case, -to oppressive action by
private corporations or individuals. Where one man is more
powerful than another, it is inevitable that he will try to use his
power to gain his ends; and if his power is much greater than
the other’s, he must of course pay for his illegality in the
ordinary way; but he is not to be punished simply because he
is the more powerful. In the case of the government it is
different, for the servants of the government are also the
servants of the people and the use of their power must always
be subordinate to their duty of service. It is true that there is
something repugnant about a big man bullying a small man
and very likely the bullying will be a source of humiliation that
makes the case one for aggravated damages, but it is not in my
opinion punishable by damages.
Case in the second category are those in which the
defendant’s conduct has been calculated by him to make a
profit for himself which may well exceed the compensation
payable to the plaintiff. I have quoted the dictum of ERLE, C.J.,
in Bell V. Midland Ry. Co.(161). MAULE, J., in Williams V.
Currie (162), suggests the same thing; and so does MARTIN, B.,
in an obiter dictum in Crouch V. Great Northern Ry. Co. (163).
It is a factor also that is taken into account in damages for
libel; one man should not be allowed to sell another man’s
reputation for profit. Where a defendant with a cynical
disregard for a plaintiff’s rights has calculated that the money
to be made out of his wrongdoing will probably exceed the
damages at risk, it is necessary for the law to show that it
cannot be broken with impunity. This category is not confined
to moneymaking in the strict sense. It extends to cases in
which the defendant is seeking to gain at the expense of the
plaintiff some object, -perhaps some property which he covets,-
which either he could not obtain at all or not obtain except at a
price greater than he wants to put down. Exemplary damages
can properly be awarded whenever it is necessary to teach a
wrongdoer that tort does not pay. To these two categories,
which are established as par at of the common law, there must
of course be added any category in which exemplary damages
are expressly authorized by statute.”
111. It is a fit case for awarding exemplary damages
to the deaf and dumb girl, who was raped and followed by
forcible abortion. She was the inmate of Nari Niketan,
Kedarpuram, Dehradun. She was in the custody of the
State. The servants of the State have oppressive, arbitrary
or unconstitutional action caused mental and physical
injury to her. She, throughout the life remains under the
trauma of rape and abortion. She is deaf and dumb. The
possibility of marriage is also bleak. She will fend herself
throughout the life. Severe mental and physical harm has
been caused to deaf and dumb girl.
26
112. The Apex Court in “Raghubir Singh Vs. State of
Haryana”, AIR 1980 Supreme Court 1087 has held that
the State, at the highest administrative and political levels,
must organize special strategies to prevent and punish
brutality by police methodology. Otherwise, the credibility
of the rule of law in our Republic vis-à-vis the people of the
country will deteriorate. Their Lordships have also held
that the vulnerability of human rights assumes a
traumatic, torture some poignancy; the violent violation is
perpetrated by the police arm of the State whose function is
to protect the citizen and not commit gruesome offences
against them. Their Lordships have held as under:
“2. We are deeply disturbed by the diabolical recurrence
of police torture resulting in a terrible scare in the minds of
common citizens that their lives and liberty are under a new
peril when the guardians of the law gore human rights to
death. The vulnerability of human rights assumes a traumatic,
torture some poignancy (when) the violent violation is
perpetrated by the police arm of the State whose function is to
protect the citizen and not to commit gruesome offences
against them as has happened in this case. Police lock-up if
reports in newspapers have a streak of credence, are becoming
more and more awesome cells. This development is disastrous
to our human rights awareness and humanist constitutional
order.
3. The State, at the highest administrative and political
levels, we hope, will organise special strategies to prevent and
punish brutality by police methodology. Otherwise, the
credibility of the rule of law in our Republic vis-a-vis the people
of the country will deteriorate.”
113. Their Lordships of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in
“Rudul Sah Vs. State of Bihar and another”, (1983) 4
Supreme Court Cases 141 have further held that
compensation for illegal detention can be granted under
Article 32 without affecting his right to sue for damages.
Their Lordships have held as under:
“9. It is true that Article 32 cannot be used as a
substitute for the enforcement of rights and obligations which
can be enforced efficaciously through the ordinary processes of
Courts, Civil and Criminal. A money claim has therefore to be
agitated in and adjudicated upon in a suit instituted in a court
of lowest grade competent to try it. But the important question
for our consideration is whether in the exercise of its
jurisdiction under Article 32, this Court can pass an order for
the payment of money if such an order is in the nature of
compensation consequential upon the deprivation of a
27fundamental right. The instant case is illustrative of such,
cases. The petitioner was detained illegally in the prison for
over fourteen years after his acquittal in a fulldressed trial. He
filed a Habeas Corpus petition in this Court for his release from
illegal detention. He obtained that relief, our finding being that
his detention in the prison after his acquittal was wholly
unjustified. He contends that he is entitled to be compensated
for his illegal detention arid that we ought to pass an
appropriate order for the payment of compensation in this
Habeas Corpus petition itself.
10. We cannot resist this argument. We see no effective
answer to it save the stale, and sterile objection that the
petitioner may, if so advised, file a suit to recover damages from
the State Government. Happily, the State’s counsel has not
raised that objection. The petitioner could have been relegated
to the ordinary remedy of a suit if his claim to compensation
was factually controversial, in the sense that a civil court may
or may not have upheld his claim. But we have no doubt that if
the petitioner files a suit to recover damages for his illegal
detention, a decree for damages would have to be passed in
that suit, though it is not possible to predicate in the absence
of evidence, the precise amount which would be decreed in his
favour. In these circumstances, the refusal of this Court to
pass an order of compensation in favour of the petitioner will
be doing mere lip-service to his fundamental right to liberty
which the State Government has so grossly violated. Article 21
which guarantees the right to life and liberty will be denuded of
its significant content if the power of this Court were limited to
passing orders of release from illegal detention. One of the
telling ways in which the violation of that right can reasonably
be prevented and due compliance with the mandate of Article
21 secured, is to mulct its violaters in the payment of monetary
compensation. Administrative sclerosis leading to flagrant
infringements of fundamental rights cannot be corrected by
any other method open to the judiciary to adopt. The right to
compensation is some palliative for the unlawful acts of
instrumentalities which act in the name of public interest and
which present for their protection the powers of the State as a
shield. If civilisation is not to perish in this country as it has
perished in some others too well-known to suffer mention, it is
necessary to educate ourselves into accepting that, respect for
the rights of individuals is the true bastion of democracy.
Therefore, the State must repair the damage done by its officers
to the petitioner’s rights. It may have recourse against those
officers.
114. In a case of police atrocities, their Lordships of
the Supreme Court in “Peoples’ Union for Democratic Rights
through its Secretary and another Vs. Police Commissioner,
Delhi Police Headquarters and another”, (1989) 4 Supreme
Court Cases 730 have awarded a sum of Rs. 50,000/- in
case of the petitioner and a sum of Rs. 500/- to the lady
who was stripped of her clothes at the Police Station. Their
Lordships have held as under:
28
“4. Under the above circumstances we direct that the
family of Ram Swaroop who is dead will be paid Rs. 50,000.00
as compensation, which will be invested in some scheme under
the Life Insurance Corporation, so that the destitute family
may get some amount monthly and the money may also be
kept secured. It is also directed that petitioner 2 Patasi who
was stripped of her clothes at the police station, shall be paid
Rs. 500.00 as compensation and the 8 other persons namely (1
Dandwa (2 Ram Prasad (3 Jaipal (4 Mahavir (5 Kannu (6
Munsjia (7Hukka and (8 Pratap, who were taken in the police
station without being paid for their work will be paid Rs. 25.00
each. It is directed that after investigation and inquiry officers
who are found guilty, the amount paid as compensation or part
thereof may be recovered from these persons out of their
salaries after giving them opportunity to show cause.
115. Their Lordships of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in
“Saheli, A women’s Resources Centre, through Ms. Nalini
Bhanot and others Vs. Commissioner of Police, Delhi
PoliceHead quarters and others”, (1990) 1 Supreme Court
Cases 422 have held that State is liable for tortuous act
committed by its agency. In this case, the child was done
away to death on account of beating and assault by the
police acting in violation and excess of power vested in
them. Their Lordships have held that mother of the child
was entitled to exemplary compensation of Rs. 75,000/-
from State for death of the child. Their Lordships have held
asunder:
“11. An action for damages lies for bodily harm which
includes battery, assault, false imprisonment, physical injuries
and death. In cases of assault, battery and false imprisonment
the damages are at large and represent a solatium for the
mental pain, distress, indignity, loss of liberty and death. As we
have held hereinbefore that the son of Kamlesh Kumari aged 9
years died due to beating and assault by the S.H.O., Lal Singh
and as such she is entitled to get the damages for the death of
her son. It is well settled now that the State is responsible for
the tortious acts of its employees. The respondent No. 2, Delhi
Administration is liable for payment of compensation to Smt.
Kamlesh Kumari for the death of her son due to beating by the
S.H. O. of Anand Parbat Police Station, Shri Lal Singh.
15. On a conspectus of these decisions we deem it just and
proper to direct the Delhi Administration, respondent No. 2 to
pay compensation to Kamlesh Kumari, mother of the deceased,
Naresh a sum of Rs. 75,000/- within a period of four weeks
from the date of this Judgment. The Delhi Administration may
take appropariate steps for recovery of the amount paid as
compensation or part thereof from the officers who will be
found responsible, if they are so advised. As the Police Officers
are not parties before us, we state that any observation made
by us in justification of this order shall not have any bearing in
any proceedings specially criminal prosecution pending against
29the police officials in connection with the death of Naresh. The
writ petitions are disposed of accordingly.”
116. Their Lordships of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in
“State of M.P. Vs. Shyamsunder Trivedi and others”, (1995)
4 Supreme Court Cases 262 in a case of custodial death
by police torture have held that generally when ocular and
other evidence is not available, it would be police officials
alone who can only explain the circumstances in which a
person in their custody had died. Their Lordships have
further held that the exaggerated adherence to and
insistence upon the establishment of proof beyond every
reasonable doubt, by the prosecution, ignoring the ground
realities, the fact-situations and the peculiar circumstances
of a given case, as in the present case, often results in
miscarriage of justice and makes the justice delivery
system suspect. Their Lordships have further held that the
Court must adopt a realistic rather than a narrow technical
approach. Their Lordships have held as under:
“17. From our independent analysis of the materials on
the record, we are satisfied that Respondents 1 and 3 to 5 were
definitely present at the police station and were directly or
indirectly involved in the torture of Nathu Banjara and his
subsequent death while in the police custody as also in making
attempts to screen the offence to enable the guilty to escape
punishment. The trial court and the High court, if we may say
so with respect, exhibited a total lack of sensitivity and a “could
not care less” attitude in appreciating the evidence on the
record and thereby condoning the barbarous third degree
methods which are still being used at some police stations,
despite being illegal. The exaggerated adherence to and
insistence upon the establishment of proof beyond every
reasonable doubt, by the prosecution, ignoring the ground
realities, the fact situations and the peculiar circumstances of
a given case, as in the present case, often results in
miscarriage of justice and makes the justice delivery system a
suspect. In the ultimate analysis the society suffers and a
criminal gets encouraged. Tortures in police custody, which of
late are on the increase, receive encouragement by this type of
an unrealistic approach of the courts because it reinforces the
belief in the mind of the police that no harm would come to
them, if an odd prisoner dies in the lock-up, because there
would hardly be any evidence available to the prosecution to
directly implicate them with the torture. The courts must not
lose sight of the fact that death in police custody is perhaps
one of the worst kind of crimes in a civilised society, governed
by the rule of law and poses a serious threat to an orderly
civilised society. Torture in custody flouts the basic rights of
the citizens recognised by the Indian Constitution and is an
30affront to human dignity. Police excesses and the maltreatment
of detainees/ under trial prisoners or suspects tarnishes the
image of any civilised nation and encourages the men in ‘Khaki’
to consider themselves to be above the law and sometimes even
to become law unto themselves. Unless stern measures are
taken to check the malady, the foundations of the criminal
justice delivery system would be shaken and the civilization
itself would risk the consequence of heading towards perishing.
The courts must, therefore, deal with such cases in a realistic
manner and with the sensitivity which they deserve, otherwise
the common man may lose faith in the judiciary itself, which
will be a sad day.
18. In its 4th Report of June 1980, The National Police
Commission noticed the prevalence of custodial torture etc.
and observed that nothing is so dehumanising as the conduct
of police in practising torture of any kind on a person in their
custody. The Commission noticed with regret that the police
image in the estimation of the public has badly suffered on
account of the prevalence of this practice in varying degrees
over the past several years and noted with concern the
inclination of even some of the supervisory ranks in the police
hierarchy to countenance this practice in a bid to achieve quick
results by short-cut methods. Though S. 330 and 331of the
Indian Penal Code make punishable those persons who cause
hurt for the purpose of extorting the confession, by making the
offence punishable with sentence up to 10 years of
imprisonment, but the convictions, as experience shows us,
have been very few because the atrocities within the precincts
of the police station are often left without any ocular or other
direct evidence to prove who the offenders are. Disturbed by
this situation, the Law Commission in its 113th Report
recommended amendments to the Indian Evidence Act so as to
provide that in the prosecution of a police officer for an alleged
offence of having caused bodily injuries to a person while in
police custody, if there is evidence that the injury was caused
during the period when the person was in the police custody,
the court may presume that the injury was caused by the
police officer having the custody of that person during that
period unless, the police officer proves to the contrary. The
onus to prove the contrary must be discharged by the police
official concerned. The recommendation, however, we notice
with concern, appears to have gone unnoticed and the crime of
custodial torture etc. flourishes unabated. Keeping in view the
dehumanising aspect of the crime, the flagrant violation of the
fundamental rights of the victim of the crime and the growing
rise in the crimes of this type, where only a few come to light
and others don’t, we hope that the government and Legislature
would give serious thought to there commendation of the Law
Commission (supra) and bring about appropriate changes in
the law not only to curb the custodial crime but also to see that
the custodial crime does not go unpunished. The courts are
also required to have a change in their outlook and attitude,
particularly in cases involving custodial crimes and they
should exhibit more sensitivity and adopt a realistic rather
than a narrow technical approach, while dealing with the cases
of custodial crime so that as far as possible within their
powers, the guilty should not escape so that the victim of the
crime has the satisfaction that ultimately the majesty of law
has prevailed.
31
117. Their Lordships of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in
“Chairman, Railway Board and others Vs. Chandrima Das
(Mrs) and others”, (2000) 2 Supreme Court Cases 465
have held that the State has vicarious liability to pay
compensation for tortuous acts of its employees. Their
Lordships have further held that the doctrine of sovereign
power not applicable in welfare State where functions of the
State now extend to various fields which cannot be strictly
related to sovereign power. Their Lordships have held
asunder:
“9. Various aspects of the Public Law field were
considered. It was found that though initially a petition under
Article 226 of the Constitution relating to contractual matters
was held not to lie, the law underwent a change by subsequent
decisions and it was noticed that even though the petition may
relate essentially to a contractual matter, it would still be
amenable to the writ jurisdiction of the High Court under
Article 226. The Public Law remedies have also been extended
to the realm of tort. This Court, in its various decisions, has
entertained petitions under Article 32 of the Constitution on a
number of occasions and has awarded compensation to the
petitioners who had suffered personal injuries at the hands of
the officers of the Govt. The causing of injuries, which
amounted to tortious act, was compensated by this Court in
many of its decisions beginning from Rudul Sah v. State of
Bihar,(1983) 3 SCR 508 : (1983) 4 SCC 141 : AIR 1983 SC
1086.[See also Bhim Singh v. State of Jammu and
Kashmir,(1985) 4 SCC 577 : AIR 1986 SC 494; People’s Union
for Democratic Rights v. State of Bihar, (1987) 1 SCR 631
:(1987) 1 SCC 265 : AIR 1987 SC 355; People’s Union for
Democratic Rights Thru. Its Secy. v. Police Commissioner,
Delhi Police Headquarters, (1989) 4 SCC 730 : 1989 (1)SCALE
598; Saheli, A Women’s Resources Centre v. Commissioner of
Police, Delhi, (1990) 1 SCC 422 : 1989Supp (2) SCR 488 : AIR
1990 SC 513; Arvinder Singh Bagga v. State of U. P., (1994) 6
SCC 565 : AIR 1995 SC117 : (1994 AIR SCW 4148); P.
Rathinam v. Union of India, 1989 Supp (2) SCC 716; In Re:
Death of Sawinder Singh Grower, (1995) Supp (4) SCC 450 :
(1992) 6 JT (SC)271 : 1992 (3) SCALE 34 (2); Inder Singh v.
State of Punjab, (1995) 3 SCC 702 : AIR 1995 SC 1949 : (1995
AIRSCW 3037); D. K. Basu v. State of West Bengal, (1997)
1SCC 416 : AIR 1997 SC 610 : (1997 AIR SCW 233)].
11. Having regard to what has been stated above, the
contention that Smt. Hanuffa Khatoon should have approached
the Civil Court for damages and the matter should not have
been considered in a petition under Article 226 of the
Constitution, cannot be accepted. Where public functionaries
are involved and the matter relates to the violation of
Fundamental Rights or the enforcement of public duties, the
remedy would still be available under the Public Law
notwithstanding that a suit could be filed for damages under
Private Law.
32
12. In the instant case, it is not a mere matter of
violation of an ordinary right of a person but the violation of
Fundamental Rights which is involved. Smt. Hanuffa Khatoon
was a victim of rape. This Court in Bodhisattwav. Ms. Subhra
Chakraborty, (1996) 1 SCC 490 : (1996 AIRSCW 325 : AIR
1996 SC 922) has held “rape” as an offence which is violative of
the Fundamental Right of a person guaranteed under Article 21
of the Constitution. The Court observed as under (Para 10 of
AIR):
“Rape is a crime not only against the person of a
woman, it is a crime against the entire society. It destroys
the entire psychology of a woman and pushes her into
deep emotional crisis. Rape is therefore the most hated
crime. It is a crime against basic human rights and is
violative of the victims most cherished right, namely,
right to life which includes right to live with human
dignity contained in Article 21.
“14. The main contention of the learned counsel for the
appellants is that Mrs. Chandrima Das was only a practising
advocate of the Calcutta High Court and was, in no way,
connected or related to the victim, Smt. Hanuffa Khatoon and,
therefore, she could not have filed a petition under Article 226
for damages or compensation being awarded to Smt. Hanuffa
Khatoon on account of the rape committed on her. This
contention is based on a misconception. Learned counsel for
the appellants is under the impression that the petition filed
before the Calcutta High Court was only a petition for damages
or compensation for Smt. Hanuffa Khatoon. As a matter of fact,
the reliefs which were claimed in the petition included the relief
for compensation. But many other reliefs as, for example, relief
for eradicating anti-social and criminal activities of various
kinds at Howrah Railway Station were also claimed. The true
nature of the petition, therefore, was that of a petition filed in
public interest.
15. The existence of a legal right, no doubt, is the
foundation for a petition under Article 226 and a bare interest,
may be of a minimum nature, may give locus standi to a person
to file a Writ Petition, but the concept of “Locus Standi” has
undergone a sea change, as we shall presently notice. In Dr.
Satyanarayana Sinha v. S. Lal and Co. Pvt. Ltd., AIR 1973 SC
2720 : (1973) 2 SCC 696, it was held that the foundation for
exercising jurisdiction under Article 32 or Article 226 is
ordinarily the personal or individual right of the petitioner
himself. In writs like Habeas Corpus and Quo Warranto, the
rule has been relaxed and modified.
17. In the context of Public Interest Litigation, however,
the Court in its various judgments has given widest amplitude
and meaning to the concept of locus standi. In People’s Union
for Democratic Rights v. Union of India, AIR 1982 SC 1473 :
(1982) 3 SCC 235, it was laid down that Public Interest
Litigation could be initiated not only by filing formal petitions in
the High Court but even by sending letters and telegrams so as
to provide easy access to Court. (See also Bandhua Mukti
Morcha v. Union of India, AIR 1984 SC 802 : 1984 (2) SCR 87 :
(1984) 3SCC 161 and State of Himachal Pradesh v. Student’s
Parent Medical College, Shimla, AIR 1985 SC 910 : (1985)3
SCC 169 on the right to approach the Court in the realm of
Public Interest Litigation). In Bangalore Medical Trust v. B. S.
Muddappa, AIR 1991 SC 1902 : 1991 (3) SCR 102 :(1991) 4
SCC 54 : (1991 AIR SCW 2082), the Court held that the
restricted meaning of aggrieved person and narrow outlook of
33
specific injury has yielded in favour of abroad and wide
construction in the wake of Public Interest Litigation. The
Court further observed that public-spirited citizens having faith
in the rule of law are rendering great social and legal service by
espousing causes of public nature. They cannot be ignored or
overlooked on technical or conservative yardstick of the rule of
locus standi or absence of personal loss or injury. There has,
thus, been a spectacular expansion of the concept of locus
standi. The concept is much wider and it takes in its stride
anyone who is not a mere “busy-body”.
18. Having regard to the nature of the petition filed by
respondent Mrs. Chandrima Das and the relief claimed therein
it cannot be doubted that this petition was filed in public
interest which could legally be filed by the respondent and the
argument that she; could not file that petition as there was
nothing personal to her involved in that petition must be
rejected.”
118. In “R.D. Upadhyay Vs. State of A.P. and others”,
(2001) 1 Supreme Court Cases 437, their Lordships of the
Hon’ble Supreme Court have held that money award
cannot, however, renew a physical frame that has been
battered and shattered due to the callous attitude of
others. All that the courts can do in such cases is to award
such sums of money, which may appear to be giving of
some reasonable compensation, assessed with moderation,
to express the court’s condemnation of the tortuous act
committed by the State. Their Lordships have held as
under:
“5. We could have directed some interim compensation to
be paid to Ajoy Ghosh but considering his present state of
mental and physical health, that would not be of any avail. He
has no known relatives either. We are conscious of the fact that
money award can be calculated only to make good financial
loss. It is not an award for the sufferings already undergone
which are incapable of calculation in terms of money. Money
compensation may be awarded so that something tangible may
be procured to replace something of the like nature which has
been distroyed or lost. Money award cannot, however, renew a
physical frame that has been battered and shattered due to
callous attitude of others. All that the courts can do in such
cases is to award such sums of money, which may appear to be
giving of some reasonable compensation, assessed with
moderation, to express court’s condemnation of the tortious act
committed by the State.”
119. Their Lordships of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in
“Smt. Shakila Abdul Gafar Khan Vs. Vasant Raghunath
Dhoble and another”, 2003 Cr. L.J. 4548 have held that
the torture and custodial violence by men in
34
‘Khaki’/State/or its functionaries cannot be permitted to
defy constitutional right and in case direct evidence is
rarely available, brotherhoodties permit other police
witnesses to feign ignorance about the whole matter. Their
Lordships have further held that insistence of
establishment of proof beyond reasonable doubt results in
miscarriage of justice. Their Lordships have further held
that the custodial crime mostly goes unpunished. Their
Lordships have further held that the Courts are also
required to have a change in their outlook, approach,
appreciation and attitude, particularly in cases involving
custodial crimes and they should exhibit more sensitivity
and adopt a realistic rather than a narrow technical
approach, while dealing with the cases of custodial crime
so that as far as possible within their powers, the truth is
found and guilty should not escape so that the victim of the
crime has the satisfaction that ultimately the majesty of
law has prevailed. Their Lordships have held as under:
“6. Rarely in cases of police torture or custodial death,
direct ocular evidence of the complicity of the police personnel
alone who can only explain the circumstances in which a
person in their custody had died. Bound as they are by the ties
of brotherhood, it is not unknown that the police personnel
prefer to remain silent and more often than not even pervert
the truth to save their colleagues -and the present case is an
apt illustration – as to how one after the other police witnesses
feigned ignorance about the whole matter.
7. The exaggerated adherence to and insistence upon the
establishment of proof beyond every reasonable doubt by the
prosecution, at times even when the prosecuting agencies are
themselves fixed in the dock, ignoring the ground realities, the
fact situation and the peculiar circumstances of a given case,
as in the present case, often results in miscarriage of justice
and makes the justice delivery system suspect and vulnerable.
In the ultimate analysis the society suffers and a criminal gets
encouraged. Tortures in police custody, which of late are on the
increase, receive encouragement by this type of an unrealistic
approach at times of the Courts as well because it reinforces
the belief in the mind of the police that no harm would come to
them if one prisoner dies in the lock-up because there would
hardly be any evidence available to the prosecution to directly
implicate them with the torture. The Courts must not lose sight
of the fact that death in police custody is perhaps one of the
worst kind of crimes in a civilized society, governed by the rule
of law and poses a serious threat to an orderly civilized society.
Torture in custody flouts the basic rights of the citizens
recognised by the Indian Constitution and is an affront to
35human dignity. Police excesses and the maltreatment of
detainees/under-trial prisoners or suspects tarnishes the
image of any civilised nation and encourages the men in
apos;Khakiapos; to consider themselves to be above the law
and sometimes even to become law into themselves. Unless
stern measures are taken to check them a lady of the very
fence eating the crops, the foundations of the criminal justice
delivery system would be shaken and the civilization itself
would risk the consequence of heading, towards total decay
resulting in anarchy and authoritarianism reminiscent of
barbarism. The Courts must, therefore, deal with such cases in
a realistic manner and with the sensitivity which they deserve,
otherwise the common man may tend to gradually lose faith in
the efficacy of the system of judiciary itself, which if it happens
will be a sad day, for anyone to reckon with.
8. Though Sections 330 and 331 of the Indian Penal
Code, 1860 (for short the apos; IPCapos;) make punishable
those persons who cause hurt for the purpose of extorting the
confession by making the offence punishable with sentence up
to 10 years of imprisonment, but the convictions, as experience
shows from track record have been very few compared to the
considerable increase of such onslaught because the atrocities
within the precincts of the police station are often left without
much traces or any ocular or other direct evidence to prove as
to who the offenders are. Disturbed by this situation the Law
Commission in its 113th Report recommended amendments to
the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (in short the apos;Evidence
Actapos;) so as to provide that in the prosecution of a police
officer for an alleged offence of having caused bodily injuries to
a person while in police custody, if there is evidence that the
injury was caused during the period when the person was in
the police custody, the Court may presume that the injury was
caused by the police officer having the custody of that person
during that period unless the police officer proves to the
contrary. The onus to prove the contrary must be discharged
by the police official concerned. Keeping in view the
dehumanizing aspect of the crime, the flagrant violation of the
fundamental rights of the victim of the crime and the growing
rise in the crimes of this type, where only a few come to light
and others don apos;t, the Government and the legislature
must give serious thought to the recommendation of the Law
Commission and bring about the appropriate changes in the
law not only to curb the custodial crime but also to see that the
custodial crime does not go unpunished. The Courts are also
required to have a change in their outlook approach,
appreciation and attitude, particularly in cases involving
custodial crimes and they should exhibit more sensitivity and
adopt a realistic rather than a narrow technical approach,
while dealing with the cases of custodial crime so that as far as
possible within their powers, the truth is found and guilty
should not escape so that the victim of the crime has the
satisfaction that ultimately the majesty of law has prevailed.”
120. Their Lordships of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in
“Prithipal Singh and others Vs. State of Punjab and another”,
(2012) 1 Supreme Court Cases 10 have held that police
atrocities are always violative of the constitutional
mandate, particularly, Articles 21 and 22. Such provisions
36
ensure that arbitrary arrest and detention are not made.
Their Lordships have further held that tolerance of police
atrocities, would amount to acceptance of systematic
subversion and erosion of the rule of law. Their Lordships
have further held that the Court cannot be a silent
spectator where the stinking facts warrant interference in
order to serve the interest of justice. Their Lordships have
further held that if there is material on record, the Court
must take action against the erring police officials. Their
Lordships have also held that in cases of custodial violence
or deaths, it is difficult to get evidence against the
policemen responsible for such deaths since police
personnel prefer to remain silent and even pervert truth to
save colleagues. Their Lordships have further held that in
case abduction by police and illegal detention and torture
of deceased is established by witnesses, the reversal of
burden of proof is on the police to explain what happened
to deceased. Their Lordships have held as under:
“26. The right to life has rightly been characterized as
“`supreme’ and `basic’; it includes both so-called negative and
positive obligations for the State”. The negative obligation
means the overall prohibition on arbitrary deprivation of life. In
this context, positive obligation requires that State has an
overriding obligation to protect the right to life of every person
within its territorial jurisdiction. The obligation requires the
State to take administrative and all other measures in order to
protect life and investigate all suspicious deaths.
27. The State must protect victims of torture, ill treatment as
well as the human rights defender fighting for the interest of
the victims, giving the issue serious consideration for the
reason that victims of torture suffer enormous consequences
psychologically. The problems of acute stress as well as a post-
traumatic stress disorder and many other psychological
consequences must be understood in correct perspective.
Therefore, the State must ensure prohibition of torture, cruel,
inhuman and degrading treatment to any person, particularly
at the hands of any State agency/police force.
28. In addition to the protection provided under the
Constitution, the Protection of Human Rights Act,1993, also
provide for protection of all rights to every individual. It inhibits
illegal detention. Torture and custodial death have always been
condemned by the courts in this country. In its 113th report,
the Law Commission of India recommended the amendment to
the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (hereinafter called “Evidence
Act”), to provide that in case of custodial injuries, if there is
evidence, the court may presume that injury was caused by the
police having the custody of that person during that period.
37
Onus to prove contrary is on the police authorities. Law
requires for adoption of a realistic approach rather than narrow
technical approach in cases of custodial crimes. (Vide: Dilip K.
Basu v. State of W.B. Ors., AIR1997 SC 3017; N.C.
Dhoundial v. Union of India Ors., AIR 2004 SC 1272; and
Munshi Singh Gautam (D) Ors.v. State of M.P., AIR 2005 SC
402).
53. In State of West Bengal v. Mir MohammadOmar Ors. etc.
etc., AIR 2000 SC 2988, this Court held that if fact is especially
in the knowledge of any person, then burden of proving that
fact is upon him. It is impossible for prosecution to prove
certain facts particularly within the knowledge of accused.
Section 106is not intended to relieve the prosecution of its
burden to prove the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable
doubt. But the Section would apply to cases where the
prosecution has succeeded in proving facts from which a
reasonable inference can be drawn regarding the existence of
certain other facts, unless the accused by virtue of his special
knowledge regarding such facts, failed to offer any explanation
which might drive the Court to draw a different inference.
Section 106 of the Evidence Act is designed to meet certain
exceptional cases, in which, it would be impossible for the
prosecution to establish certain facts which are particularly
within the knowledge of the accused. (See also: Shambhu Nath
Mehra v. The State of Ajmer, AIR 1956 SC 404; Sucha Singh v.
State of Punjab, AIR 2001 SC 1436; and Sahadevan @
Sagadevan v. State rep. by Inspector of Police, Chennai, AIR
2003 SC 215).
75. In a case where the person is alleged to have died in police
custody, it is difficult to get any kind of evidence.
“Rarely in cases of police torture or custodial
death, direct ocular evidence is available of the
complicity of the police personnel, who alone can only
explain the circumstances in which a person in their
custody had died. Bound as they are by the ties of
brotherhood, it is not unknown that police personnel
prefer to remain silent and more often than not even
pervert the truth to save their colleagues.”
79. Both the courts below have found that the
accused/appellants have abducted Shri Jaswant Singh Khalra.
In such a situation, only the accused person could explain as
what happened to Shri Khalra, and if he had died, in what
manner and under what circumstances he had died and why
his corpus delicti could not be recovered. All the
accused/appellants failed to explain any inculpating
circumstance even in their respective statements under Section
313 Cr.P.C. Such a conduct also provides for an additional link
in the chain of circumstances. The fact as what had happened
to the victim after his abduction by the accused persons, has
been within the special knowledge of the accused persons,
therefore, they could have given some explanation. In such a
fact-situation, the Courts below have rightly drawn the
presumption that the appellants were responsible for his
adduction, illegal detention and murder.
85. After appreciating the evidence on record, and considering
the judgments of the courts below, we approve their following
conclusions:
(i) Jaswant Singh Khalra, being a human right activist,
had taken the task to expose the misdeeds of police in
Districts Amritsar and Taran Taran killing innocent
people under the pretext of being terrorists and
38cremating them without any identification and
performing any ritual.
(ii) The Police authorities did not like such activities of
Shri Khalra and tried to desist him from the same. Shri
Khalra was being threatened over the telephone by the
police officials.
(iii) Jaswant Singh Khalra informed a large number of
persons about the threats and being watched by
unidentified suspicious persons, who had been
wandering around his house and had been followed by
such elements.
(iv) Jaswant Singh Khalra was able to generate public
pressure against the police authorities which was a
source of anger and pressure upon the police.
(v) Ajit Singh Sandhu, SSP, hatched a conspiracy with
appellants and some other police personnel to abduct
Jaswant Singh Khalra and eliminate him or to put him in
danger of being murdered.
(vi) At the time of abduction, the accused did not permit
Jaswant Singh Khalra even to change his clothes. One of
the witnesses, namely, Rajiv Singh (PW.15) was pushed
away.
(vii) Rajiv Singh (PW.15) immediately informed various
persons including Smt. Paramjit Kaur (PW.2) and Justice
Ajit Singh Bains (PW.5) about the incident of kidnapping.
(viii) In spite of the best efforts made by Smt. Paramjit
Kaur (PW.2), wife of the deceased and others particularly,
Rajiv Singh (PW.15) who went from pillar to post,
whereabouts of Jaswant Singh Khalra were not made
known to them.
(ix) The police authorities did not cooperate in helping
the complainant, though the witnesses had named the
persons involved in the abduction of Shri Khalra.
(x) Report (Ex.PA) dated 6.9.1995 submitted by Smt.
Paramjit Kaur had not properly been recorded by the
SHO Police Station, Islamabad. The version therein had
been different from what she had reported. It so
happened because of connivance of police officials.
(xi) The accused in the case had been high police officials
and there was every possibility that statement of the
complainant Smt. Paramjit Kaur (Ex.PA) had not been
recorded as reported by her.
(xii) Before approaching this Court by filing a Habeas
Corpus Writ Petition, Smt. Paramjit Kaur(PW.2) had
approached the National Human Rights Commission at
New Delhi in respect of the incident. However, she was
advised to approach this Court.
(xiii) This Court passed several orders in a writ petition
filed by Smt. Paramjit Kaur, wife of the deceased, but
whereabouts of Jaswant Singh Khalra could not be
known and in view thereof, investigation of the case was
transferred to the CBI.
(xiv) In spite of transfer of the investigation of the case to
the CBI, the Punjab police officials did not cooperate with
the CBI and were not lending proper support in
conducting the investigation. The police officials of
Punjab united in an unholy alliance as their colleagues
were involved and the case was going to tarnish the
image of Punjab police. The witnesses named the police
officials in their statements before the CBI and they
identified the accused persons in the court.
39
(xv) In order to find out the whereabouts of Shri Khalra,
the CBI made public appeal by putting his photographs
in electronic media. A large number of posters having his
photograph had been affixed on the walls of the cities
particularly in Taran Taran, Majitha and Amritsar and
made a declaration that person giving information about
him, would be rewarded with a sum of Rs.1 lakh.
(xvi) The witnesses were so scared/ terrified of the action
of the police atrocities/criminal intimidation that they
could not muster the courage to reveal the truth. The
witnesses could not name the accused while filing
affidavits in this Court in the writ petition.
(xvii) The appellants and other accused police officials
attempted to prevent the testimony of the witnesses by
threatening, harassing and involving them in false
criminal cases and physical intimidation. A large number
of false documents had been created by one of the
witnesses because of police threats and fear put by the
accused.
(xviii) The witnesses had been acquitted by the courts as
they had falsely been involved in criminal cases of a very
serious nature. This was so done only to prevent them to
support the prosecution. The witnesses suffered with
criminal intimidation at the hands of the police officials.
Even the complaints filed by the witnesses against other
witnesses had been found to be false.
(xix) The depositions made by the witnesses in the court
had been consistent with their statements recorded
under Section 161Cr.P.C.
(xx) The depositions of all the witnesses including
Kulwant Singh (PW.14) and Kuldip Singh (PW.16) are
worth acceptance in spite of all the discrepancies pointed
out by the accused/appellants.
(xxi) All the accused had taken the plea of alibi to show
that none of them was present at the place of occurrence
on the relevant date. However, none of them could
successfully prove the same and the plea of alibi taken
by them was found to be false. This points towards their
guilt.
(xxii) Charges had been framed prior to recording the
statements of Kuldip Singh (PW.16) and in such a fact-
situation the trial court ought to have altered the
charges.
(xxiii) Sufficient evidence is available on record in respect
of abduction of Shri Jaswant Singh Khalra and the
witnesses, particularly, Smt. Paramjit Kaur (PW.2), Rajiv
Singh (PW.15) and Kirpal Singh Randhawa (PW.7) have
identified the appellants as the persons who have
abducted Shri Khalra. Kulwant Singh (PW.14) has
deposed about his illegal detention in Police Station
Jhabal. In such a fact-situation, the burden shifts on the
respondents to disclose as what happened to Shri
Jaswant Singh Khalra.
(xxiv) Though the dead body of Shri Jaswant Singh
Khalra could not be recovered from the canal as the
investigation commenced after along time, recovery of the
dead body is not a condition precedent for conviction of
the accused for murder.
86. Police atrocities are always violative of the
constitutional mandate, particularly, Article 21 (protection of
life and personal liberty) and Article 22 (person arrested must
40
be informed the grounds of detention and produced before the
Magistrate within 24 hours). Such provisions ensure that
arbitrary arrest and detention are not made. Tolerance of police
atrocities, as in the instant case, would amount to acceptance
of systematic subversion and erosion of the rule of law.
Therefore, illegal regime has to be glossed over with impunity,
considering such cases of grave magnitude.
87. In view of the above, we do not find any reason to
interfere with the well reasoned judgment and order of the High
Court. The facts of the case do not warrant review of the
findings recorded by the courts below. The appeals lack merit
and are accordingly dismissed.”
121. In 2017 (3) SCC 115, in the case of “State of
Himachal Pradesh another vs. Naval Kumar @ Rohit
Kumar”, their Lordships of the Hon’ble Supreme Court have
reduced the amount from Rs.1,25,00,000/- to
Rs.90,00,000/- with 6% interest in a case of boy who was
electrocuted and his both arms were amputated. Their
Lordships have held as under:-
“14. The short question that arises for consideration in
this appeal is whether the High Court, in the facts and
circumstances of the case, was justified in awarding Rs.
1,25,00,000/- to the Respondent by way of compensation for
the injuries sustained by the Respondent in an accident which
occurred on 18.03.2012?
15. The High Court held and, in our view, rightly that the
incident in question occurred due to negligence of the State
and its authorities and hence the State was vicariously liable to
compensate the Respondent for the losses sustained by the
Respondent. It may be mentioned that the State rightly did not
challenge this finding and hence we need not go into its
correctness. The High Court further held and, in our view,
rightly that having regard to the family background of the
Respondent and further Respondent’s excellent performance as
a brilliant student in studies, he would have easily earned Rs.
30,000/- per month in his life. We find no good ground to
interfere in this finding of fact, which, in our opinion, is based
on proper material on record.
16. The High Court, however, further awarded Rs. 10,00,000/-
towards loss of companionship, life amenities/pleasures, and
happiness, Rs. 10,00,000/- for pain and suffering, mental
distress, trauma and discomfort and inconvenience, Rs.
10,00,000/- towards attendant/nursing expenses, and lastly,
Rs. 5,00,000/- for securing artificial/robotic limbs and future
medical expenses. In our considered view, the award of
compensation under these 4 heads appears to be on very
higher side and is not supported by any evidence. It is, in our
view, based on assumptions and presumptions to which we do
not concur. In our view, entitlement under these heads is one
thing and the quantum of grant of compensation under these
heads is another thing. In this case, as rightly urged by the
learned Counsel for the Appellant-State that lump sum award
of compensation under these heads is on higher side and is not
41supported by any evidence. It is, therefore, not legally
sustainable.
17. In our considered view, taking into consideration the facts
and circumstances of the case such as Respondent’s family
background, his age (8 years), nature of permanent disability
suffered by the Respondent, his performance in studies, the
determination of monthly/yearly income made by the High
Court, expenses incurred and all the relevant factors, which are
usually taken into account in awarding compensation to the
victim, the Respondent is held entitled for a total lump sum
compensation of Rs. 90,00,000/- (Rs. Ninety lacs) together with
interest payable at the rate of 6% p.a. in place of Rs.
1,25,00,000/- awarded by the High Court.
18. The award of Rs. 90,00,000/- together with interest
payable at the rate of 6% p.a., in our view, would fetch
sufficient regular monthly income to the Respondent by way of
interest alone, if the awarded sum is deposited in the Bank and
would thus take care of Respondent’s upbringing and other
needs for the rest of his life. The award of compensation
determined by us is just and reasonable compensation payable
to the Respondent.
19. In view of foregoing discussion, the appeal succeeds and is
allowed in part. The impugned order is modified to the extent
indicated above by reducing the compensation awarded by the
High Court.
20. In other words, the compensation awarded by the High
Court is, accordingly, reduced from Rs. 1,25,000,00/- to Rs.
90,00,000/- with interest payable at the rate of 6% p.a. from
the date of filing of the writ petition.”
122. The State Government has accorded permission
under Section 41 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and
Protection of Children) Act, 2015 to the following
institutions to run Child Care Institutions and Shelter
Homes in the State of Uttarakhand:-
Special Home Place of Safety
1. Almora Govt. Special Home Bakh, Almora 8 to 18
yrs.
2. Haridwar Govt. Special Home Roshnabad, 8 to 18
Haridwar yrs.
3. Haridwar Govt. place of Safety Roshnabad, 16 to 18
Haridwar yrs.
4. Pauri Govt. Place of Safety (Girls) Kotdwar, 16 to 18
Pauri yrs.
Open Shelter
1. Dehradun Aashra Trust Near 119/1 Basant Bihar, 0 to 18
Dehradun for Girls Boys yrs.
2. Nainital Dharohar Vikas Snsthan Near Mukhani 0 to 18
Chauraha, Haldwani, Nainital for Girls yrs.
Boys
42
3. Haridwar Ramraj Gramodhyog Sansthan Govindpuri 0 to 18
Haridwar for Girls Boys yrs.
4. Udhamsingh Mahila and Bal Vikas Utthan Samitee Khera 0 to 18
Nagar Kaloni, Rudrapur for Girls Boys yrs.
Observation Home
1. Almora Govt. Observation Home Pandaykhola, 7 to 18
Almora yrs.
Govt. Observation Home Kedarpuram 7 to 18
Dehradun yrs.
2. Dehradun
Govt. Observation Home Kedarpuram 7 to 18
Dehradun for Girls yrs.
3. Haridwar Govt. Observation Home Roshnabad 7 to 18
Haridwar yrs.
Govt. Observation Home Nainital 7 to 18
4. Nainital yrs.
Govt. Observation Home Nainital for Girls 7 to 18
yrs.
5. Uttarkashi Govt. Observation Home Dunda, Uttarkashi 7 to 18
yrs.
Govt. Observation Home Gadoli Pauri 7 to 18
Garhwal yrs.
6. Pauri
Govt. Observation Home Gadoli Pauri 7 to 18
Garhwal yrs.
7. Udhamsingh Govt. Observation Home Kiccha Road, 7 to 18
Nagar Bhadaipur, Rudrapur yrs.
NGO Run Homes
1. Dehradun Shri Shradhanand Bal Vanita Aashram for 0 to 10
Boys Girls yrs.
2. Indra Rastiya Chetna Samojouthan 0 to 10
Sansthan Tilak Road Dehradun for Boys yrs.
Girls
3. Hariom Aashram Balgarh Karwapani Shila 0 to 10
Bypass Dehradun for Boys Girls yrs.
4. Agneg Kunj Society Hope Project Sihniwala 0 to 10
Dehradun for Boys Girls yrs.
5. Epic Foundation Nyay Arunoday Bhimwala 0 to 10
Vikasnagar, Dehradun for Boys Girls yrs.
6 Saheli Trust Village Chadrabadni Sewlakala 0 to 18
for Girls yrs.
7. Aashra Trust Near 119/1 Basant Bihar, 0 to 18
Dehradun for Boys yrs.
8. Shishya Society Khairee Atak Pharm P.O. 0 to 18
Selaque Dehradun for Boys yrs.
9. Indian Huma Welfare Society House No.48 0 to 18
Fes 2 Sakti Vihar Dun for Girls (SP Need) yrs.
10. Apna Ghar Bal evm Mahila Utthan Badripur 0 to 10
Dehradu for Boys Girls yrs.
43
11. Love Kush Muk Badhir Awam Mandbudhi 0 to 10
Premvihar Chouk Raiwala, Dun for Boys yrs.
and Girls
12. Mecom Ministry Trust Line No.2 Tarner 6 to 18
Road, Clementown Dun for Girls yrs.
13. Shri Stya Sai Sewa Aashram Samitt 7 to 18
Aamwala Vikasnagar Dun for Boys yrs.
14. Raiz Himalay 51/1 Rajpur Road, Gree 11 to 18
Valley, Dehradun for Girls yrs.
15. Dun Sarthi the Sakha Society for Girls 7 to 18
yrs.
16. Matra Aanchal Kakhal Haridwar for Girls 0 to 18
yrs.
17. Anath Shishupalan Trust of India Shri Ram 0 to 18
Haridwar Aashram Shyampur Haridwar for Boys yrs.
Girls
18. Vatsalya Vatika Bahrabad Haridwar for Boys 7 to 18
yrs.
19. S.O.S. Bhimtal Nainital for Boys Girls 0 to 18
yrs.
20. National Association for the Blind (NAB) 0 to 18
Golapar Haldwani Nainital for Boys Girls yrs.
Nainital
21. U.S.R. Indu Samitee Village Basai Pirumdar 6 to 18
Ramnagar, Nainital for Boys Girls yrs.
22. Vimrash Bisht Niketan Tallital, Nainital for 11 to 18
Boys yrs.
23. Udhamsingh Prayag Bal Sammitee Naugawanthaggu 11 to 18
Nagar Khatima, U.S. Nagar for Boys yrs.
24. Tehri Gramin Kshetriya Vikas Samitee Ranichori 0 to 10
Garhwal Tehri Garhwal for Boys Girls yrs.
25. Bageshwar Aakash Ganga Gramin Utthan Samitee 11 to 18
Kapkot Bageshwar for Girls yrs.
Govt. Run Children Home
1. Govt. Children Home Girls 11 to 18
Almora yrs.
Govt. Children Home 0 to 10
yrs.
2. Govt. Children Home Girls 11 to 18
Dehradun yrs.
Govt. Children Home 11 to 18
yrs.
3. Haridwar Govt. Children Home for Boys 11 to 18
yrs.
123. Learned State Counsel was requested to supply
the information about the stage of trial in the case of deaf
and dumb girl, who was raped in the premises.
124. Learned State Counsel has apprised the Court
that the Session Trial No.59 of 2016 is pending in the Court
44
of learned District Sessions Judge, Dehradun. 36
witnesses have been cited by the prosecution. Only 5
witnesses till date have been examined. The next date of
recording the evidence is 25.05.2018. There is inordinate
delay in concluding the trial, which was commenced in the
year 2016.
125. The State Government has though, constituted
Committees under the Juvenile Justice (Care and
Protection of Children) Act, 2000, in the year 2003. New
Govt. Notification No.965/XVI/2/2013-66, was issued on
13.09.2013, mentioning therein that the old committees
shall continue to function till their reconstitution. The State
Government is required to constitute statutory
bodies/authorities/boards under the new Act and
procedure prescribed therein. The provisions of new Act are
more stringent and child welfare centric.
126. The people who are mandated to protect the
children admitted in the Child Care Institutions have failed
to protect the children. The conscious of the society is
pricked when the people ordained to protect the children
are themselves found sexually molesting/abusing the
children. It is a classic case of "Fence Eating the Grass."
The faith and trust of the society is eroded when the people
under the Law supposed to protect the human rights and
the dignity of the children, violates the law. The psyche of
the children is severely damaged. It is the constitutional
and statutory duty of the Courts to protect the rights of
children by invoking its parens patriae jurisdiction.
127. The rape and abortion of the helpless deaf and
dumb girl, the mysterious death of the two inmates speaks
volumes of mismanagement of the institution. These
institutions must be respected and maintained like
temples. The music teacher violating the body of a child
in the National Institute for the Visually Handicapped
45
cannot be permitted to be repeated. The society should be
sensitive and compassionate towards the children, who are
admitted in these Child Care Institutions trusting the
system. How these things can happen under the very nose
of the administration is difficult to fathom.
128. Accordingly, the writ petition is disposed of by
issuing following mandatory directions:-
A. There shall be a direction to learned District and
Sessions Judge, Dehradun to conclude the Sessions
Trial No.59 of 2016, within six months from today by
holding the trial on day-to-day basis. The statement
of prosecutrix shall be recorded with the assistance of
an expert or a person familiar with the mode of
conveying her ideas in day-to-day life.
B. The State Government is directed to pay exemplary
damages/compensation of Rs.25.00 Lakh (Twenty-
Five Lakh) or pension @ Rs.11,000/- per month to
the deaf and dumb inmate, who was raped and
forced to abort the baby. The Chairperson, Child
Welfare Committee, Dehradun shall open the
account of the deaf and dumb inmate in a
Nationalized Bank, in which, the exemplary
damages/compensation amount or pension amount
would be credited every month.
C. The Management of the National Institute for the
Visually Handicapped, 116, Rajpur Road,
Dehradun, is directed to put Mr. Ramesh Chandra
Kashyap, Music Teacher, National Institute for the
Visually Handicapped, 116, Rajpur Road, Dehradun
under suspension forthwith and to commence
disciplinary proceedings against him for violating
the human rights and dignity of the child of the
46
School and to conclude the same within three
months from today.
D. The Director General of Police, State of Uttarakhand
is directed to register FIR against Mr. Ramesh
Chandra Kashyap, Music Teacher of National
Institute for the Visually Handicapped, 116 Rajpur
Road, Dehradun, forthwith under POCSO Act and
Indian Penal Code. The inquiry and investigation
shall be completed within three weeks from today
and thereafter, the Challan shall be put up in the
Court of Law. The Trial shall be concluded, if prima
facie, case is found against Mr. Ramesh Chandra
Kashyap, Music Teacher, within three months from
today.
E. The State Government is directed to frame rules
under Section 110 of the Act and to notify the same
within six months from today, till then the Rules i.e.
the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of
Children) Rules, 2016 shall be followed by the State.
F. The respondent-State is directed to constitute the
Child Welfare Committee for each district of the
State within twelve weeks from today. The
Chairperson and members of the Committee shall
be appointed on the recommendations of the
Selection Committee to be constituted under Rule
87 of the Rules, 2016.
G. The State Government is directed to constitute a
Selection Committee within a period of four weeks
from today, for a period of three years by notification
in the Official Gazette, comprising of a retired judge
of High Court as the Chairperson to be appointed in
consultation with the Chief Justice of the High
Court, one representative from the Department
47
implementing the Act not below the rank of Director
as the ex-officio Member Secretary, two
representatives from two different reputed non-
governmental organizations respectively working in
the area of child development or child protection for
a minimum period of seven years but not running or
managing any children's institution, two
representatives from academic bodies or Universities
preferably from the faculty of social work,
psychology, sociology, child development, health,
education, law, and with special knowledge or
experience of working on children's issues for a
minimum period of seven year and a representative
of the State Commission for Protection of Child
Rights.
H. All the individuals, police officers or any functionary
of any organization or a nursing home or hospital or
maternity home, who or which finds and takes
charge, or is handed over a child who appears or
claims to be abandoned or lost, or a child who
appears or claims to be an orphan without family
support are directed to give information to the
Childline Services or the nearest police station or to
a Child Welfare Committee or to the District Child
Protection Unit, within 24 hours as per Section 32
of the Act, 2015, in the welfare of child.
I. The State Government is directed to give financial
support of sum of Rs. 1.00 lakh (One Lakh) to
children living in Child Care Institutions for the
process of rehabilitation and social reintegration as
per Section 39(4) read with Section 46 of the Act,
2015.
48
J. The State Government is directed to ensure that all
the institutions, whether run by a State Government
or by voluntary or non-governmental organizations,
which are meant, either wholly or partially, for
housing children in need of care and protection or
children in conflict with law are registered within a
period of three months from today, if not already
registered under the Law.
K. The action be taken under Section 42 of the Act,
2015 against the persons, in-charge of an
institution housing children in need of care and
protection and children in conflict with law, who
fails to comply with the provisions of sub-Section 1
of Section 41 of the Act, 2015.
L. The State Government is also directed to establish
and maintain, by itself or through voluntary or non-
governmental organizations, open shelters in each
district as per the requirement and the same be
registered under Rule 22. These open shelters shall
include day care and night residential facilities
including food, washing facilities and toilets. It
should have a kitchen, dining facilities, bathrooms
and toilets, lockers and recreational facilities.
M. The State Government is also directed to undertake
the programmes of sponsorship to children under
Section 45 read in conjunction with Rule 24.
N. The State Government is directed to establish and
maintain observation homes in every district or
cluster of districts either by itself or through
voluntary or non-governmental organizations read
with Rule 26. In case of Child Care Institution
housing girls, only female Person-in charge and staff
49
shall be appointed and also to follow the staffing
pattern, as per Rule 26 which is as under:-
S.No. Personnel/Staff Number
1. Person-in-charge (Superintendent) 1
2. Probation Officer/Child Welfare Officer/Case 3
Workers (NGOs) A Child Welfare Officer may be
designated as Rehabilitation-cum-Placement Officer
3. Counselor/ Psychologists/mental health expert 2
4. House Mother/ House Father 4
5. Educator/ Tutor 2(Part time)
6. Medical Officer (Physician) 1 (on call)
7. Para-medical staff/ Staff Nurse/Nursing Orderly 1
8. Store Keeper cum Accountant 1
9. Art Craft activity teacher 1 (Part time)
10. PT Instructor-cum-Yoga trainer 1 (Part time)
11. Cook 2
12. Helper 2
13. House keeping 2
14. Driver 1
15. Gardener 1 (Part time)
O. The State Government is directed to ensure that in
children home, the children below the age of 10
years should have separate bathing and sleeping
facilities, separate home for boys and girls of age
group 7-11 years and 12-18 years, separate facilities
for children upto the age of six years and infants.
P. The State Government is directed to ensure that as
per Rule 29, Child Care Institutions having more
than 50 children, should conform to the following
infrastructure as per Item Nos.6 to 12:-
(6.) 2 Dormitories Each 1000 Sq.ft. for 25 children
(i) i.e. 2000 Sq. ft.
(ii) 2 Class rooms 300Sq.ft. for 25 children i.e. 600
Sq. ft.
(iii) Sickroom/First aid room 75 Sq.ft. per children for 10 i.e.
750 Sq. ft.
50
(iv) Kitchen 250 Sq. ft.
(v) Dining hall 800 Sq. ft.
(vi) Store 250 Sq.ft.
(vii) Recreation room 300 Sq.ft.
(viii) Library 500 Sq.ft.
(ix) 5 Bathroom 25 Sq.ft. each i.e. 125 Sq. ft.
(x) 8 Toilets 25 Sq. ft. i.e. 200 Sq.ft.
(xi) Office rooms (a) 300 Sq.ft. (b) Person-in-charge
room 200 Sq.ft.
(xii) Counselling and Guidance 120 Sq.ft.
room
(xiii) Workshop 1125 Sq. ft. for 15 children @ of 75
Sq.ft. per trainee
(xiv) Residence for Person-in-charge (a) 2 rooms of 250 Sq.ft. each (b)
Kitchen 75 Sq.ft. (b) bathroom
cum toilet 50 Sq ft.
(xv) 2 rooms for Juvenile Justice 300 Sq. ft each i.e. 600 Sq.ft.
Board or Child Welfare
Committee
(xvi) Playground Sufficient area according to total
number of children
Total 8495 Sq.ft.
(7) The Person-in-charge shall stay within the institution
and be provided with quarters and in case he is not able
to stay in the Child Care Institution for valid reasons,
any other senior staff member of the institution shall stay
in the institution and be in a position to supervise the
overall care of the children and take decisions in the case
of any crisis or emergency.
(8) There shall be proper and non-slippery flooring for
preventing accidents.
(9) There shall be adequate lighting, heating and cooling
arrangements, ventilation, safe drinking water, clean and
accessible gender and age appropriate and disabled
friendly toilets and high walls with barbed wire fencing.
(10) All institutions under the Act shall:
(i) make provision of first-aid kit, fire extinguishers in
kitchen, recreation room, vocational training room,
dormitories, store rooms and counselling room;
(ii) conduct periodic inspection of electrical
installations;
(iii) ensure proper storage and inspection of articles of
food; and
(iv) ensure stand-by arrangements for water storage
and emergency lighting.
(11) Special infrastructural facilities and necessary
equipment shall be provided to differently-abled children.
Such facilities and equipment shall be designed under
the guidance of specialists or experts.
(12) Other logistical and functional requirements which
would be provided may include:
(i) computer sets;
51
(ii) photocopiers;
(iii) printer, scanner cum fax;
(iv) telephone with internet facility;
(v) web cam;
(vi) furniture for officials, record keeping cabinets,
work stations, wheel chair and stretchers for
medical room;
(vii) chairs and tables for study and dining hall;
(viii) projector.
Q. The State Government is directed to ensure that as
per Rule 30, in every Child Care Institution, each
child shall be provided following minimum
standards of clothing and bedding:-
A. BEDDING
S.No. Article Quantity to be provided per child
1. Mattress 1 at the time of admission and
subsequently 1 after every 1 year.
2. Cotton Durry 2 at the time of admission and
subsequently 2 after every 2 years.
3. Cotton bed sheets 2 at the time of admission and
subsequently 1 after every 6 months.
4. Pillow (Cotton stuffed) 1 at the time of admission and
subsequently 1 after every 1 year.
5. Pillow covers 1 at the time of admission and
subsequently 1 after every 1 year.
6. Cotton blankets/ Khes 2 at the time of admission and
subsequently 1 after every 2 years.
7. Cotton filled quilt 1 at the time of admission and
subsequently 1 after every 2 years (in
cold region in addition to the blankets).
8. Mosquito net 1 at the time of admission and
subsequently 1 after every 6 months.
9. Cotton towels 2 at the time of admission and
subsequently 1 after every 3 months.
B. Clothing for Girls
S.No. Article Quantity to be provided per
child
1. Skirts and Blouse or Salwar 5 sets per year for girls depending
Kameez or Half Sari with on age and regional preferences.
Blouse and Petticoat
2. Age appropriate 3 sets every quarter.
undergarments
3. Sanitary Towels 12 packs per year for older girls.
4. Woollen Sweaters (full 2 sweaters yearly.
sleeves)
52
5. Woollen Sweaters (Half 2 sweaters yearly.
sleeves)
6. Woollen Shawls 1 per year.
7. Nightwear 2 sets every 6 months.
B. Clothing for Boys
S.No. Article Quantity to be provided per
child
1. Shirts 2 at the time of admission and
subsequently 1 after every 6
months.
2. Shorts 2 at the time of admission and
subsequently 1 after every 6
months for younger boys
3. Pants 2 at the time of admission and
subsequently 1 after every 6
months for older boys.
4. Age appropriate undergarments 3 sets
every quarter.
5. Woollen jerseys(full sleeves) 2 yearly.
6. Woollen jerseys (half sleeves) (half sleeves) 2 yearly.
7. Woollen Caps 1 in 1 year.
8. Kurta Pyjama for night wear 2 sets every 6 months.
C. Miscellaneous Articles
1. Slippers 1 pair at the time of admission and
subsequently after every 6 months.
2. Sports shoes 1 pair at the time of admission and
subsequently 1 pair after every 1 year.
3. School uniform 2 sets every six months for children attending
schools.
4. School bag 1 every year for children attending schools.
5. School shoes 1 pair at the time of admission in school and
subsequently 1 pair after every 6 months.
6. Handkerchiefs 2 at the time of admission and subsequently 2
after every 2 months.
7. Socks 3 pairs every six months.
8. Stationery As per need.
(2) In addition to the clothing specified above, each child shall
be provided, twice a year, with a suit consisting of one white
shirt, one pair of shorts or pants, one pair of white canvas
shoes and one blazer for use during ceremonial occasions. In
the case of girls it shall be one white half sari or one salwar
kameez or one white skirt and one white blouse, a pair of white
canvas shoes and a blazer.
(3) In every hospital attached to the institution where there is
provision for in-patient cots, the following scale has to be
followed:
53
S. No. Night clothing and bedding Scale for supply
1. Mattress One per bed per 3 years.
2. Cotton bed sheets Four per bed per year.
3. Pillows One per bed per two year.
4. Pillow covers Four per bed per year.
5. Woollen blankets One per bed per 2 years.
6. Pyjamas and loose shirts (hospital 3 pairs per child per year.
type for boys)
7. Skirts and blouses or salwar 3 pairs per child per year.
kameez for girls
8. Cotton durry One per bed per three years
(4) Toiletry: Every resident of the Child Care Institution shall be
issued oil, soap and other material as per the following scale:
S. No. Items Quantity to be issued per child
1. Hair Oil for grooming the hair 100 ml per month.
2. Toilet soap/handwash 2 bars of 100gm per month.
3. Tooth brush 1 in every 3 months.
4. Toothpaste 100gm (a tube) per month.
5. Comb 1 in every 3 month.
6. Shampoo sachets 8 in a month (10ml/ per sachet).
7. Bathing soap 2 bars of 125gm per month.
8. Hair clip/ band 2 bands in 3 month.
9. Moisturiser or cold cream 250 ml in a month.
(during winters)
(5) For washing of clothes and towels, bed-sheet, etc., the
following scale may be followed:
(i) washing soap: 3 soaps for one month (125 gms) or equivalent
washing powder;
(ii) whitening or bleaching agent to the extent required only for
white clothing.
The hospital clothing shall not be mixed with other clothing at
the time of washing and if necessary, the Superintendent can
issue the above items separately for washing of hospital
clothing. The superintendent may get installed washing
machines, as required.
(6) The following items shall be provided for maintaining the
Child Care Institutions in a healthy and sanitary condition:
S. No. Items Scale of Supply
1. Broom stick 25 to 40 per month depending on
the area of the institution
2. Pesticide spray As per the institution doctor's
advice.
3. Effective bugs killing agent As required.
4. Phenyl and cleaning acid Depending on the area of lavatories
to be (daily) cleaned as per
institution doctor's advice.
54
5. Mosquito repellent machines 2 per room per month with adequate
fillets.
R. As per Rule 31, every Child Care Institution is
directed to improve the sanitation and hygiene
facilities, as under:-
(i) sufficient treated drinking water; water filters or RO shall
be installed at multiple locations in the premises for easy
access such as kitchen, dormitory, recreational rooms
etc.;
(ii) sufficient water including hot water for bathing and
washing clothes, maintenance and cleanliness of the
premises;
(iii) proper drainage system with regular maintenance;
(iv) arrangements for disposal of garbage;
(v) protection from mosquitoes by providing mosquito nets
or repellants;
(vi) annual pest control;
(vii) sufficient number of well-lit and airy toilets with proper
fittings in the proportion of at least one toilet for seven
children;
(viii) sufficient number of well-lit and airy bathrooms with
proper fittings in the proportion of at least one bath room
for ten children;
(ix) sufficient space for washing and drying of clothes;
(x) washing machine wherever possible;
(xi) clean and fly-proof kitchen and separate area for washing
utensils;
(xii) sunning of bedding twice every month and clothing on
regular basis;
(xiii) maintenance of cleanliness in the Medical Centre;
(xiv) daily sweeping and wiping of all floors in the home;
(xv) cleaning or washing of the toilets and bathrooms twice
everyday;
(xvi) proper washing of vegetables and fruits and hygienic
manner of preparing food;
(xvii) cleaning of the kitchen slabs, floor and gas after every
meal;
(xviii) clean and pest proof store for maintaining food articles
and other supplies;
(xix) disinfection of the beddings at least once a year;
(xx) fumigation of a sick room or isolation room after every
discharge in case of contagious or infectious disease; and
(xxi) cleanliness in medical centre.
55
S. Every Child Care Institution shall prepare the
menu chart with the help of a nutritional expert or
doctor to ensure balanced diet and variety in taste.
T. Every Child Care Institution throughout the State of
Uttarakhand is directed to adhere to the following
minimum nutritional standard and diet scale as per
Rule 33.
S.No. Name of the articles of diet Scale per head per day
1. Rice/Wheat/Ragi/Jowar 600 gms, (700 gms
for16-18 yrs age) of
which atleast 100 gms to
be either Wheat or Ragi
or Jowar or Rice.
2. Dal/ Rajma/ Chana 120 gms.
3. Edible Oil 25 gms.
4. Onion 25 gms.
5. Salt 25 gms.
6. Turmeric 05 gms.
7. Coriander Seed Powder 05 gms.
8. Ginger 05 gms.
9. Garlic 05 gms.
10. Tamarind/ Mango powder 05 gms.
11. Milk (at breakfast) 150 ml.
12. Dry Chillies 05 gms.
13. Vegetables Leafy Non - leafy 100 gms. 130gms.
14. Curd or Butter Milk 100 gms/ml.
15. Chicken once a week or Eggs 4 115 gms.
days
16. Jaggery Ground Nut Seeds or 60 gms each (100 gms
Paneer (vegetarian only) for paneer) Once in a
week.
17. Sugar 40 gms.
18. Tea/Coffee 5gm.
19. Sooji/Poha 150 gms.
20. Ragi 150 gms.
Following items for 50 Children per day
21. Pepper 25 gms.
22. Jeera Seeds 25 gms.
23. Black Gram dal 50 gms.
24. Mustard Seeds 50 gms.
25. Ajwain Seeds 50 gms.
On Chicken Day for 10 Kg. of Chicken
26. Garam Masala 10 gms.
27. Kopra 150 gms.
28. KhasKhas 150 gms.
29. Groundnut oil 500 gms.
For Sick Children
30. Bread 500 gms.
31. Milk 500 ml.
32. Khichadi 300 gms.
Other Items
33. LP Gas for Cooking only.
(2) Children may be provided special meals on holidays,
festivals, sports and cultural day and celebration of national
festival.
(3) Infants and sick children shall be provided special diet
according to the advice of the doctor on their dietary
requirement.
(4) The requirement of each child shall also be taken into
account including need for iron and folic acid supplements.
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(5) The menu for the day shall be prepared in consultation with
the Children's Committee and shall be displayed in the dining
hall.
(6) Variation in diet may be as per seasonal and regional
variations, a suggested diet variation is given below:-
(i) varieties of dal e g., Toor (Arhar), Moong (Green Gram)
and Chana (Bengal Gram) may be given alternatively;
(ii) on non-vegetarian days, vegetarian children shall be
issued with either 60 gms of jaggery and 60 gms of
groundnut seeds per head in the shape of laddus or any
other sweet dish or 100 gms paneer;
(iii) leafy vegetables such as Fenugreek (Methi), Spinach
(Palak), Sarson (Mustard leaves) GonguraThotakura or
any other saag etc., may also be issued once in a week. If
a kitchen garden is attached to any institution, leafy
vegetables, should be grown and issued and the
Superintendent should try to issue variety of vegetables
and see that the same vegetable is not repeated for at
least a period of one week;
(iv) seasonal fruits shall be provided in a non-repetitive
manner in sufficient quantities;
(v) the Person-in-charge may make temporary alterations
in the scale of diet in individual cases when considered
necessary by him, or on the advice of the doctor of the
institution subject to the condition that the scale laid
down is not exceeded.
U. Every Child Care Institution is directed to ensure
the presence of Medical Officer or on call whenever
necessary for regular medical check-up and
treatment of children.
V. The State Government is directed to ensure that in
every Child Care Institution, a nurse or a para
medic shall be available round the clock.
W. Every Child Care Institution is directed to ensure
the following medical care for children as per Rule
34:-
(i) arrange for medical examination of each child
admitted in an institution by the Medical Officer within
twenty- four hours of admission and in special cases or
medical emergencies immediately;
(ii) arrange for a medical examination of child by the
Medical Officer at the time of transfer within twenty four
hours before transfer;
(iii) maintain a medical record of each child on the basis
of monthly medical check-up and provide necessary
medical facilities;
(iv) ensure that the medical record includes weight and
height record, any sickness and treatment, and other
physical or mental problems;
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(v) have facilities for quarterly medical check-ups
including dental check-up, eye testing and screening for
skin problems and for treatment of children;
(vi) every institution to have first aid kit and all staff be
trained in handling first aid;
(vii) make necessary arrangements for the immunization
of children;
(viii) take preventive measures in the event of out-break
of contagious or infectious diseases;
(ix) keep sick children under constant medical
supervision;
(x) not carry out any surgical intervention in a hospital
on any child without the previous consent of his parent
or guardian, unless the parent or guardian cannot be
contacted and the condition of the child is such that any
delay would, in the opinion of the medical officer, involve
unnecessary suffering or injury to the health of the child
or danger to life, or without obtaining a written consent
to this effect from the Person-in-charge of the institution;
(xi) provide or arrange for regular counselling of every
child and ensure specific mental health interventions for
those in need of such services, including separate rooms
for counselling sessions within the premises of the
institution and referral to specialised mental health
centres, where necessary; and
(xii) refer such children who require specialised drug de-
addiction and rehabilitation programme, to an
appropriate centre administered by qualified persons
where these programmes shall be adopted to the age,
gender and other specifications of the child concerned.
(4) Baseline investigation of Complete Blood Count
(CBC), Urine Routine, HIV, VDRL, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
tests and allergy or addiction to drugs shall be conducted for
all children at the time of entry into the institution as
suggested by the doctor after examining the child.
(5) Test for pregnancy or diseases for victims of sexual offences
shall be conducted, if required by the order of the Board or the
Committee or the Children's Court. In such cases the District
Child Protection Unit shall facilitate following of the procedures
laid down in the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, if
so needed.
(6) The State Government through the District Child Protection
Unit shall make provisions for those children diagnosed with
special problems such as hormonal problems, immuno-
compromised diseases, physical and mental disabilities on the
recommendation of the medical officer. The children shall be
kept in special care homes or hospitals and avail necessary
medical/ psychiatric and psychological support or treatment.
(7) All girls who have attained puberty shall undergo health
assessment to detect iron deficiency. Necessary dietary plan
and medicines shall be prescribed by the nutritionist and
appointed doctor, if need be.
(8) A psycho- social profile of every child shall be maintained by
the Child Care Institution and updated every month. Special
observations may be recorded, when required. Person-in-
charge of the institution shall ensure that any
recommendations made shall be duly complied with.
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X. Every Child Care Institution shall maintain the
following norms, as per Rule 35, with regard to
mental health of inmates:-
(1) The environment in an institution shall be free from
abuse, allowing children to cope with their situation and
regain confidence.
(2) All persons involved in taking care of the children in
an institution shall participate in facilitating an enabling
environment and work in collaboration with the
therapists as needed.
(3) Milieu based interventions and individual therapy are
must for every child and shall be provided in all
institutions. Explanation.― For the purpose of this sub-
rule, "milieu based intervention" is a process of recovery,
which starts through providing an enabling culture and
environment in an institution so as to ensure that each
child's abilities are discovered and they have choices and
right to take decisions regarding their life and thus,
develop and identify beyond their negative experiences,
such intervention which has a critical emotional impact
on the child.
(4) Individual therapy is a specialised process and each
institution shall make provisions for it as a critical
mental health intervention.
(5) Every institution shall have the services of trained
counselors or collaboration with external agencies such
as child guidance centres, psychology and psychiatric
departments or similar Government and non-
Governmental agencies, for specialised and regular
individual therapy for the child.
(6) The recommendations of mental health experts shall
be maintained in every case file, as required.
(7) No child shall be administered medication for mental
health problems without a psychological evaluation and
diagnosis by trained mental health professionals.
(8) Medicines should be administered to the children only
by trained medical staff and not by any other staff of the
Home.
Y. All the Child Care Institutions are directed to
provide following vocational training to the inmates,
as provided under Rule 37:-
(1) Every Child Care Institution shall provide gainful
vocational training to children according to their age,
aptitude, interest and ability, both inside or outside the
Child Care Institution.
(2) Vocational training shall include occupational
therapy, skill and interest based training, aimed at
suitable placement at the end of the course. The
institute, preferably government recognised, providing
vocational training shall give a certificate, on the
completion of the course.
(3) Where vocational training is offered outside the
premises of the Child Care Institution, children shall be
escorted for such programmes with proper security
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planning and services, particularly for children who are
at risk.
(4) A record shall be maintained for all children attending
the programmes and the progress made by each child
shall be reviewed. The report in that regard shall be
submitted to the Board or the Committee or the
Children's Court, as the case may be, on a quarterly
basis.
Z. Every Child Care Institution is directed to provide
following recreational facilities, as provided under
Rule 38:-
(1) Recreational facilities may include indoor and outdoor
games, yoga and meditation, music, television, picnic
and outings, cultural programmes, gardening and
library, etc.
(2) Sufficient space shall be made available for outdoor
sports and games.
(3) Picnic and outings may include education fair or
science fair, museum, planetarium, botanical garden,
zoological garden, etc.
(4) Cultural event or sports competition shall be held
once in a quarter to showcase talent on festivals or on
days of national festivals.
(5) Library shall have child friendly environment. There
shall be books in regional language, newspapers,
children's magazines, puzzle books, picture books, books
in braille, audio and video devices, etc.
(6) Space in the home shall be made available for
gardening with technical input being given by a gardener
to the children.
(7) Music, dance and art therapy may be included in the
list of recreational activities to enhance the healing
process of each child.
(8) Regularity of the activities shall be maintained with
support of institutions and non-governmental
organisation, if needed and a report shall be submitted
on quarterly basis to the Board or the Committee or the
Children's Court, as the case may be.
AA. The State Government is directed to constitute
State Child Protection Society and District Child
Protection Unit for every district to take up matters
relating to children with a view to ensure the
implementation of the Act including the
establishment and maintenance of institutions as
provided under Section 106 of the Act.
BB. The State Government is directed to give wide
publicity through media including television, radio
and print media at regular intervals so as to make
60
the general public, children and their parents or
guardians aware of the Juvenile Justice (Care and
Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and the Rules
framed thereunder.
CC. All the persons-in-charge of Child Care Institutions
are directed to discharge following duties as per
Rule 61:-
"(i) ensure compliance with the provisions of the Act and
the rules and orders made thereunder;
(ii) ensure compliance with the orders of the Board or the
Committee or the Children's Court;
(iii) provide homely and enabling atmosphere of love,
affection, care and concern for children;
(iv) strive for the development and welfare of the children;
(v) supervise and monitor discipline and well-being of the
children and the staff;
(vi) plan, implement and coordinate all activities,
programmes and operations, including training and
treatment programmes or correctional activities as the
case may be;
(vii) segregate a child suffering from contagious or
infectious diseases on the advice of the medical officer of
the institution;
(viii) segregate a child wherever required;
(ix) ensure observance and follow-up of daily routine
activities;
(x) organize local and national festivals in the home;
(xi) organize trips or excursions or picnics for children;
(xii) send a list of children in Form 40 in the Child Care
Institution to the Board or the Committee, as the case
may be, every week and bring to the notice of the Board
or the Committee, if no date is given for the production of
any child before the Board or the Committee;
(xiii) allocate duties to personnel;
(xiv) maintain standards of care in the Child Care
Institution;
(xv) ensure proper storage and inspection of food stuffs
as well as food served;
(xvi) maintain the buildings and premises of the Child
Care Institution;
(xvii) maintain proper hygiene in the home;
(xviii) provide accident and fire preventive measures,
disaster management within the premises and also keep
first aid kit;
(xix) make stand-by arrangements for water storage,
power back-up, inverters, generators;
(xx) ensure careful handling of equipment;
(xxi) employ appropriate security measures;
(xxii) conduct periodical inspections, including daily
inspection and rounds of the Child Care Institutions;
(xxiii) take prompt action to meet emergencies;
(xxiv) ensure prompt, firm and considerate handling of all
disciplinary matters;
61
(xxv) ensure proper and timely maintenance of the case
files;
(xxvi) maintain all records and registers required under
the Act and these rules;
(xxvii) prepare the budget and maintain control over
financial matters;
(xxviii) organise the meetings of the Management
Committee set up under rule 39 of these rules and
provide necessary support;
(xxix) ensure monthly verification of all records and
registers by the Management Committee set up under
rule 39 of the rules;
(xxx) liaise, co-ordinate and co-operate with the State
Child Protection Society and the District Child Protection
Unit as and when required;
(xxxi) co-ordinate with the legal cum Probation Officer in
the District Child Protection Unit or the District or State
Legal Services Authority to ensure that every child is
legally represented and provided free legal aid and other
necessary support.
(xxxii) ensure the production of the child before the
Board or the Committee or the Children's Court on the
date of such production and to ensure that the dates for
the said purpose are recorded.
(4) The Person-in-charge shall inspect the Child Care
Institution as often as possible but not less than twice a day.
He shall make a record of the timings of his inspection and also
note his observations in a separate book maintained for the
purpose, especially with regard to:
(i) maintenance of hygiene and sanitation,
(ii) maintenance of order,
(iii) quality and quantity of food,
(iv) hygienic maintenance of food articles and other
supplies,
(v) hygiene in the medical centre and provisions for
medical care,
(vi) behaviour of the children and staff,
(vii) security arrangements, and
(viii) maintenance of files, registers and books.
(5) Anything irregular that comes to the notice of the
Person-in-charge shall be enquired into and resolved and the
date, time and nature of the action taken shall be noted in the
book.
(6) Where a problem of urgent nature has not been resolved
within two working days, the Board or the Committee or the
District Child Protection Unit shall be informed.
(7) In case the Person-in-charge is on leave or otherwise not
available, the duties of the Person-incharge shall be performed
by the Child Welfare Officer as designated by the Person-in-
charge."
DD. The persons-in-charge are ordered to stay within
the premises to be readily available as and when
required by the children or the staff.
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EE. The State Government is directed to follow Rule 75,
in case of death or suicide of child in a Child Care
Institution as under:-
(i) The institution must ensure that an inquest and post-
mortem examination is held at the earliest.
(ii) In case of natural death or death due to illness of a
child, the Person-in-charge shall obtain a report of the
Medical Officer stating the cause of death and a written
intimation about the death shall be given immediately to
the nearest Police Station, Board or Committee and the
parents or guardians or relatives of the child.
(iii) Immediate information shall be given by the case-
worker or Probation Officer or Child Welfare Officer to the
Person-in-charge and the Medical Officer and the Person-
in-charge shall immediately inform the nearest police
station, Board or Committee and parents or guardians or
relatives of the deceased child.
(iv) If a child dies within twenty-four hours of his
admission to the Child Care Institution, the Person-
incharge of the Child Care Institution shall report the
matter to the police and the District Medical Officer or
the nearest Government hospital and the parents or
guardians or relatives of such child without delay.
(v) The Person-in-charge and the Medical Officer of the
Child Care Institution shall record the circumstances of
the death of the child and send a report to the concerned
Magistrate, the police, the Board or the Committee or the
Children's Court and the District Medical Officer or the
nearest Government hospital where the dead body of the
child is sent for examination and determination of the
cause of death and the person-in charge and the Medical
Officer shall also record in writing their views on the
cause of death, if any, and submit it to the concerned
Magistrate and to the police.
(vi) The Person-in-charge and the Medical Officer at the
Child Care Institution shall make themselves available
for any inquiry initiated by the police or the Magistrate
regarding the cause of death and other details regarding
such child.
(vii) As soon as the inquest is over, the body of the child
shall be handed over to the parent or guardian or
relatives or, in the absence of any claimant, the last rites
shall be performed under the supervision of the Person-
in-charge of the Child Care Institution in accordance
with the known religion of the child after retaining a
photograph of the child for future reference.
FF. The State Government is directed to follow Rule 76
in case of abuse and exploitation of the child in the
Child Care Institution.
GG. The State Government is directed to issue
necessary directions to all the Child Care
63
Institutions to follow Section 97 and Rule 79 dealing
with release of a child from Child Care Institution.
HH. The State Government is directed to implement
Section 95 of the Act qua transfer of a child to place
of residence.
II. The child suffering from disease requiring prolonged
medical treatment shall be sent to fit facility under
Section 51 of the Act.
JJ. The child suffering from mental illness or addicted
to alcohol or drugs or any other substance which
lead to behavioural changes shall be sent to
Psychiatric Hospital or Psychiatric Nursing Home, in
accordance with Medical Health Act, 1987.
KK. The State Government is directed to segregate
mentally ill inmates and to send them to Psychiatric
Nursing Home and Psychiatric Hospital forthwith.
LL. The State Government is directed to appoint the
inquiry officer not below the rank of Deputy Inspector
General of Police, to inquire about the death of
inmates of Nari Niketan, Kedarpuram, Dehradun, in
the year 2014.
MM. The State Government is directed to establish at least
one after Care Organization in the State for
rehabilitation of the children between the age group of
18-21 years.
NN. The State Government is directed to provide sufficient
loans to the inmates of After Care Organization to
setup entrepreneurial activities. The necessary
scheme is ordered to be prepared for providing
employment to the children leaving the Child Care
64
Institutions. They shall also be provided vocational
training.
OO. The State Government is directed to constitute
Inspection Committee for the entire State and
districts for all institutions registered or recognized
to be fit under the Act, within six weeks from today.
The Inspection Committee shall mandatorily
conduct visit to all facilities at least once in three
months in a team of not less than three members, of
whom at least one shall be a woman and one shall
be a medical officer, and submit reports of the
findings of such visits within a week of their visit, to
the District Child Protection Units or State
Government for taking appropriate actions.
PP. The State Government is directed to prepare the
programme/scheme for children who have to leave
Child Care Institution after attaining the age of 16
years for providing education, giving them
employable skills and placement including stay
facility till the age of 21 years.
QQ. The State Government is further directed, as per
Model Rules 25 read with Section 46 of the Act, to
provide community group housing on a temporary
basis for groups of six to eight persons, with stipend
of sum of Rs.5,000/- for vocational training,
scholarship of Rs. 6,000/- for higher education and
support till the person gets employment,
arrangements of loans and subsidies for the persons
in after care institutions.
RR. No person in the State of Uttarakhand shall employ
or use any child for the purpose of begging. The
Police is directed to register the case against the
persons, who employ the child for the purpose of
65
begging, under Section 76 of the Act. Any person,
who, for the purpose of taking amputate or maims
the child, be sternly dealt with.
SS. The State machinery is directed to ensure that no
person shall use a child for vending, peddling,
carrying, supplying or smuggling any intoxicating
liquor, narcotic drug or psychotropic substance.
TT. The corporal punishment is banned in all the Child
Care Institutions and the persons involved therein
be sternly dealt with, under Section 82 of the Act.
UU. The Committee/Board is directed to allow the child
on special occasions like examination, marriage of
relatives, death of kith or kin or accident or serious
illness of parent or any emergency of like nature to
grant leave urgently.
VV. The persons incharge of the custodial institution
including beggars homes, orphanages, women's
protection homes and children homes are directed
to take the inmates of the institutions, suffering
from mental illness, to the nearest mental health
establishment run or funded by the State
Government as per Section 104 of the Mental
Healthcare Act, 2017.
129. Pending application, if any, also stands disposed
of accordingly.
(Sharad Kumar Sharma, J.) (Rajiv Sharma, J.)
NISHANT
