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Rejects Cyclostyled Affidavits Demanding Real Status Reports of Shelter Homes
The has delivered a stern rebuke to state officials, rejecting as unsatisfactory the affidavits submitted regarding the conditions of various protective institutions across the state. The Division Bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Sanjeet Purohit, labeled the documents as "mere ," underscoring deep judicial dissatisfaction with the standard of displayed toward the welfare of institutionalized women and children.
Background of
The legal proceedings were initiated following a distress letter penned by children residing at the Balika Grah in Alwar. The letter highlighted the severe challenges faced by inmates, primarily caused by the non-receipt of essential grants and bureaucratic inaction by the State. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Court expanded the scope of the matter to monitor the broader landscape of Nari Niketans (women’s shelters), Balika Grahs, and foster homes throughout Rajasthan.
A Failure of Accountability
During the latest hearing, the Bench reviewed affidavits provided by dozens of superintendents and assistant directors from various districts. The Court noted that the responses provided by these officials lacked individual attention and failed to address the unique logistical and humanitarian gaps present in each district.
Rather than providing tailored insights into the specific needs of these high-stakes environments, the submissions appeared to be form-letters, raising concerns about the level of genuine oversight practiced by the .
Key Observations
In its order, the High Court emphasized the necessity of transparency and granular detail in judicial reporting. The Bench remarked:
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"The affidavits placed on record are mere where signatures have been put by the concerned officers responsible for maintenance."
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"The Court must be informed of the actual requirements of the Nari Niketan / Balika Grah / Bal Griah and Foster Home in each individual district by the concerned officers."
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"The Court must also be apprised of the present status, along with photographs, of the respective Nari Niketan/Balika Grah/Bal Griah and Foster Home falling under the responsibility of concerned officers."
Mandates for Compliance
The Court has directed the state officials to file comprehensive reports that reflect the "actual requirements" of their respective facilities. By demanding current photographic evidence of the residential spaces, the Bench aims to move beyond paper compliance and ensure a physical verification of the living standards afforded to the most vulnerable.
This directive serves as a reminder to state agencies that judicial monitoring of public institutions is not a procedural formality but a mechanism to ensure the protection of . The matter is set for further hearing on , where the Court expects to see significantly more diligence from the state machinery.
