UP govt files affidavit in missing children case

Allahabad, Nov 30 (UNI) The Uttar Pradesh government has filed an affidavit in the Allahabad High Court in the matter of missing children.

The State government stated that of 5,612 missing children in the state for the last six years, 4,712 had been rescued, while 900 were still to be rescued.

Keeping the Uttar Pradesh government's affidavit on record, a division bench comprising Justices Amar Saran and R N Mishra directed the authorities concerned to rescue the remaining children and file a compliance report.

Passing the direction on a writ petition filed by V D Sharma, the Bench observed ''we would like to take this opportunity to command all the concerned authorities for their effort and sincere cooperation. We hope there will be no decline in sincerity in tracing out the remaining 900 reported missing children.'' The Court further noted that statutory provisions will not remain on papers and concrete steps shall be taken for constituting Juvenile Justice Board and government homes in all the districts.

The High Court also directed the authorities to file a progress report, regarding the constitution of child welfare committees in all districts under the Juvenile Justice Act.

The bench said they would like to obtain a progress report about the constitution of juvenile children homes in all districts for those who need care and protection.

The court directed the assistant solicitor general to obtain a status report regarding Offence Against Children Bill-2006.

UNI