NHRC seeks comment from Delhi Govt on juvenile in Tihar jail

New Delhi, Dec 8 (UNI) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought within two weeks comments from the Delhi Government on a media report that 13 juvenile delinquents are still in Tihar jail.

Taking suo moto cognisance of the newspaper report, the Commission directed that the copy of the article be sent to the Delhi Chief Secretary for comments.

''If the contents of the report are true they raise a serious issue of human rights violation,'' it said.

According to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children), 2000, during their trial the juvenile delinquents should be kept in an observation home, separately from hardened criminals, and in special homes after conviction.

The November 26 newspaper report said despite Supreme Court directives and existing laws, the delinquents have been lodged with hardened criminals.

Despite repeated reminders by the Tihar Jail Authorities and a notice by the Juvenile Justice Board, the Delhi Government's Social Welfare Department was not able to create any ''place of safety'' for convicted juvenile delinquents, it added.

The capital has just two observation and special homes, which are overcrowded, the report said.

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