Madras High Court today ordered inspection of all juvenile homes in three districts and directed the District Legal Services Authority to file a report on the condition of these homes by December 11.
The first bench comprising Chief Justice R K Agrawal and Justice M Sathyanarayanan ordered inspection of Juvenile Homes in Kanyakumari, Tiruvallur and Tuticorin districts on a PIL filed by social activist A Narayanan highlighting the pathetic condition prevailing in them.
Recording the personal appearance of three senior officers of the Social Welfare Department Secretary, Director of Social Defence and Deputy Secretary of the Department, the bench dispensed with their further appearance.
The PIL wanted the court to direct Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and the Social Welfare Department to formulate and notify rules under the amended Juvenile Justice Act, 2006 and establish children welfare committees and juvenile justice boards with adequate infrastructure and manpower in all districts.
It wanted the government to launch integrated child protection scheme and establish juvenile police units in all districts and also the state commissioner for protection of child rights.
In his petition, Narayanan pointed out to malfunctioning of juvenile justice boards and child welfare committees in the state, and sought formation of a commission headed by the retired judge of the high court to review and monitor all issues relating to the implementation of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, 2000 as amended in 2006.
