High Court gives directives on juvenile homes in Jharkhand

Ranchi, Apr 25 (UNI) Jharkhand High Court today directed the Jharkhand Juvenile Board and the Social Welfare Department to dispose the cases pending before them at the earliest.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Muthuswamy Karpagayavinayagam and Justice Permod Kohli gave the order while hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed by Bal Sakha, an NGO.

Dilip Jerath appearing on behalf of the petitioner today submitted report regarding the present condition of the observation homes of seven districts as per the earlier order of the court.

Jerath informed the court that the condition of toilet at Chaibasa observation home was in bad shape which required immediate attention so that the juvenile could use it during the night.

Regarding the Ranchi observation home he said, there was very low water pressure there for which water was not being stored at water tank.

Besides, the civil surgeon concerned 'takes at least six to eight months to issue age certificate to the juveniles who are in the judicial custody', the petitioner said adding there were approximately 1000 juvenile cases pending before the board.

The court then directed the civil surgeons of all the districts to grant the age certificates within three days.

The social welfare department has been directed to construct attached bathroom in Chaibasa observation home and make deep boring at Ranchi observation home for better supply of water.

UNI