HC tells govt to prepare policy note on trafficking

Chennai, Nov 7(UNI) Madras High Court today directed the Tamil Nadu government to prepare a perspective policy note on immoral trafficking of women and children in consultation with a state-level coordination committee.

Passing interim orders, a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice A P Shah and Mr Justice K Chandru gave the direction while posting futher hearing of the case to February 26, 2007.

A report dated September 20, 2006 by Tamil Nadu State Judicial Academy Director Vimala, based on her visit to the Government Vigilance Home, Mylapore, was taken as a suo motu writ petition.

Ms Vimala visited the home on September 5, 2006 and found various defects. She filed the report. On October 12, 2006 the Court ordered the Member Secretary (MS) of the State Legal Services Authority to open a legal aid cell in the Vigilance Home and nominated a panel of women lawyers to look into grievances of inmates and submit a report.

In its interim order, the bench issued a set of directions to the authorities to rectify defects pointed out by the Judicial Academy and Legal Services Authority.

The bench directed the MS to jointly inspect all Vigilance Homes in the state and submit a report on infrastructure and other facilities within two months.

The bench also directed the police to treat victims with compassion and respect their dignity. It wanted prompt redress for the harm the victims had suffered as provided in law.

Particular care should be taken to protect the identity of the victims and this should not be published in the media. They should be protected against being used by the media for commecial ends and be given necessary medical and legal assistance, the bench added.

The bench directed the state government to establish more shelter homes in all districts with basic facilities. The inmates must be provided medical check up and free education or life skill education.

Special Health Centres must be set up for HIV, AIDS affected persons, the bench added.

UNI XR AJ AA SB RS1932