HC wants no male wardens in shelter homes for children

“We are surprised that even after one accused was awarded death and three got life terms, such incidents continue to take place,” the court said. Committee members – Dr Asha Bajpai and Sarita Shankaran – told the court that all shelters homes had come under the ambit of Social Justice Department, therefore, the homes under the department were devoid of facilities for special children.

“Children in such homes go back to their families during vacation, but many of the special children are orphans. There are no facilities in such homes to take care of their educational, psychological and health needs,” Dr Bajpai pointed out to the bench.

The court said it was a “very important” issue as such children needed to be accommodated, keeping in mind their requirements. “It may take some time for them to get used to new environment. How long will you take?” Justice Kanade asked the state government. Additional government pleader Abhinandan Vagyani said a “concrete” policy should be framed for dealing with the issue and suggested that the committee meets senior state officials. “It is necessary that the child gets proper facilities in Social Justice Department homes. State has to ensure such incidents don’t happen. Male wardens shouldn’t be kept,” the court said.

While directing the top officers of the two departments to have a meeting with the HC-appointed committee within a week from Thursday, the court lauded the transfer of children having Intelligence Quotient (IQ) over 70 to general shelter homes. “However, care should be taken and sufficient time be given for them to get acquainted with the atmosphere,” the judges said.

aamir.khan@expressindia.com