De-addiction centre: HC seeks govt report

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought a report from the Delhi government on the date when the city’s de-addiction centre for juveniles would be fully operational. A Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra summoned the chief engineer of the Public Works Department to be personally present on Friday and inform the court about the status of the centre.

Appearing for the Delhi government,a senior officer from the Women and Child Development Ministry submitted before the court that the centre is partially operational — detoxification of the drug addicts was being conducted at a place in Vasant Kunj,while rehabilitation of the juveniles was to be conducted at the Sewa Kutir complex,which also houses observation homes for delinquent juveniles. The officer also said two doctors have been appointed,while a clinical psychologist was to be appointed.

The court’s direction came after senior advocate Arvind Nigam,appointed by the court as amicus curiae,visited the home and filed a report,which stated that the de-addiction centre was not yet operational.