HC appoints panel on Juvenile Homes in TN

Chennai, Oct 30 (UNI) Madras High Court (MHC) today appointed a committee to inspect all juvenile homes in Tamil Nadu and examine the working of Juvenile Justice Boards and Child Welfare Committees.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice A P Shah and Mr Justice K Chandru apppointed retired MHC Judge N V Balasubramanian as commitee chairman and child psychologist Prabha, child specialist Jayanthi, Tamil Nadu State Judicial Academy Director S Vimala, Social Welfare Secretary and Commissioner, Social Defence as members.

Passing the interim order, it said the committee should submit its report in three months after which the court would hear the matter.

The Bench further said Mr Justice P Jyothimani conducted a surprise inspection of the Juvenile Home in Madurai on May 30, 2006 and submitted a report on June one, stating the living conditions were appalling and lacked basic facilities.

The educational facilities provided were almost neglible. The inmates had little or no contact with the outside world. They were housed without any sense of improving their lot nor was there any attempt to educate and rehabiliate the children.

It was absolutely necessary to find a long-term solution and so the decision to constitute a committee. The Bench asked the state to extend all necessary facilities to the members to perform duties.

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