The Delhi High Court asked the Delhi government to state when it will fill vacancies in the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights. The court also sought a response to overcrowding in observation homes for children in the capital.
Delhi government asked for a timetable
A bench of Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma directed the Secretary of the Department of Women and Child Development to file an affidavit setting out the vacancies and the timetable for appointments. The court also sought the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development’s views on the composition and functioning of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
Overcrowding in observation homes
The bench was told that observation homes in Delhi were housing more than twice their sanctioned capacity. It noted that facilities and other resources were arranged for the approved capacity and asked the Chief Secretary to address the situation in a counter-affidavit.
The directions came in pending proceedings on implementation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.