File affidavit on child welfare institutions: HC to TN govt

Chennai, Mar 10: Madras High Court today directed Tamil Nadu government and National Commission for Protection of Child Rights to file affidavit regarding verification of child welfare institutions, including government agencies, violating the provisions of Juvenile Justice Act and Rules.

Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice M M Sundresh gave the direction on a PIL by an NGO seeking a direction from the court to close down all those child welfare institutions, including government agencies, violating the provisions of Juvenile Justice Act and Rules.

The bench, after perusing an affidavit filed by the Member Secretary, Tamil Nadu Commission for Protection of Child Rights, in its order said, "We had asked the state government and the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights to carry out independent verification vide our order dated December 16, 2014."

The bench also recorded the suggestion by the petitioner that the Commission for Protection of Child Rights should have a different designated officer other than the Secretary, Social Welfare and Nutritious Meal Programme, to perform the job independently.

"Last opportunity is granted to file necessary affidavit within six weeks and thereafter if an affidavit is filed, it will be taken on record subject to the despot of Rs 10,000 as cost" the bench said as it posted the matter for further hearing to June 8. '

PTI