Gauhati High Court Presses Assam Government to Finalize Child Protection Policy, Highlights Juvenile Justice Board Challenge
Last Updated on September 19, 2024 by NewsDesk SLC
A division bench of Justice Kalyan Rai Surana and Justice Arun Dev Choudhury further directed the state government to take steps to remedy various problems and challenges faced by the juvenile authorities in the state. The court heard a PIL raising concerns about the rights of the child. During the hearing on 13 September, a senior government advocate said that one more month would be required to finalize and announce the State Child Protection Policy and the rules to be framed by the state.
The court observed, “We hope that in the absence of a State Child Protection Policy and State Rules, the State would inform all stakeholders that until the State formulates a State Child Protection Policy and Rules, all stakeholders must follow the draft of the Central Model Rules, 2016 proprio vigore.
” The court further noted that the registry had received a report from the Judicial Academy in which Assam listed various challenges faced by juvenile courts.
“The report dated 05.09.2024 along with a set of issues and challenges faced by the Juvenile Justice Council will be circulated to the learned counsel for the concerned parties. However, the said note will be accepted by the Court on the next date of inclusion in the list,” it said.
Furtherly, The court recorded that we should put record hope in state government with all the resources and might take immediate steps to notify the draft state child protection policy and to notify the rules so that the purpose of the Juvenile Justice ( Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
Next date on November 5
Case Law: Bachpan Bachao Andolan & Anr. V. The State Of Assam & 4 Ors.
