Expressing concern over the poor living conditions of the mentally challenged children and adult persons in Bal Ashram in the state, The Himachal Pradesh High Court has issued notice to all deputy commissioners and directed them to file status reports in this regard.
Acting on a PIL taken up by the court on a report of Justice VK Sharma, in charge of the committee for monitoring the functioning of Juvenile Justice Boards in the state of HP, a division bench directed the chief secretary to monitor the entire process and also ensure a meeting of all concerned officers before recommendations, reports and communications are placed before the advocate general.
The Court also directed all district and sessions judges in the state to inspect the Bal Asharms falling in their jurisdiction within two weeks and file reports before the court.
The court also ordered the Chief Secretary, Secretary (welfare) and Director, women and child welfare, to remain present in before the court on the next date of hearing on July 14, 2014.
