(Madan B. Lokur, S. Abdul Nazeer and Deepak Gupta, JJ.)
Sampurna Behrua _________________________________ Petitioner;
v.
Union of India and Others ______________________ Respondent(s).
M.A. No. 2069/2018 in W.P.(C) No. 473/2005, decided on October 4, 2018
The Order of the court was delivered by
Order
1. It is submitted by the learned Amicus that there are a large number of young boys and young girls who have been abused either sexually or otherwise. Their rehabilitation is of utmost importance. The rehabilitation of these children cannot wait for a conclusion on the study of the Shelter Homes/Child Care Institutions across the country. She says that these are two separate issues. There is a third issue pointed out by the learned Amicus i.e. to the effect that a Child Protection Policy was mandated by this Court but it is not very clear whether any steps have been taken to have a Child Protection Policy.
2. It is submitted by learned counsel appearing on behalf of the the Ministry of Women and Child Development that some meetings have been held with a representative of the State Government and some more meetings are planned.
3. In our opinion, we would require the assistance of the Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Women and Child Development to understand exactly what is proposed because there are three separate issues that need to be considered viz. the counselling and rehabilitation of child victims of violence including sexual violence, study on the conditions and facilities available in the Child Care Institutions across the country. The third is formulation of a Child Protection Policy.
4. The Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Women and Child Development should be present in the Court on 08.10.2018 so that all of us are clear about the steps to be taken and how to make progress in a positive direction.
5. List the matter on 08.10.2018.
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