Bombay high court raps state government for violating order on children’s homes

The judges noted that there was either complete non-compliance or belated compliance with respect to the directions issued by the court.

The Bombay high court (HC) on Thursday rapped the state government for its apathetic approach towards the improvement of children's homes in the state.

The PIL has been posted for further hearing on March 9. (HT file photo)

While hearing a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) concerning children’s homes in Maharashtra, the division bench of Justice Abhay Oka and Justice PN Deshmukh said, “The approach of the state shows insensitivity and is a violation of the court orders.”

Acting on the PIL , the court had earlier passed elaborate orders, but found that most of those were not implemented. The judges noted that there was either complete non-compliance or belated compliance with respect to the directions issued by the court.

Funds alloted for children’s homes remained unutilised due to the government’s failure to form different committees, based on the court’s directions. In addition to this, the judges directed the state to consider increasing the aid extended towards the care of the children to Rs1,500 per month from the current Rs900 per month.

The court has issued a notice to the chief secretary, asking him to file an affidavit by March 8 explaining the gross delay in complying with court orders. The PIL has been posted for further hearing on March 9.