Tamil Nadu spells out action taken to protect voiceless kids

When the suo-motu writ petition came up before a division bench of Justice Huluvadi G Ramesh and Justice R Thandapani on Thursday, the State Social Welfare department filed an additional affidavit stating that THE repair and renovation work of the existing infrastructure in the government reception unit has been undertaken and about Rs 42 lakh has been sanctioned to establish safe places and improve existing infrastructures for juveniles. 

It further stated that orders have been issued for imparting vocational training to children of Government Child Care Institute and Rs 9.65 lakh has been sanctioned for imparting modern vocational training to the children for 2017-18. Also, skill development training has been given to 200 trainees of the child care institute apart from implementing such other compliance relating to Juvenile Justice Act, the affidavit said. 

“It is for the amicus to go through the additional counter and come out with suggestions if any in so far as implementation of JJ Act in the state as directed by the Supreme Court,” held the bench, adjourning the case to June 11 for further hearing. 

The suo motu PIL was based on a Supreme Court judgment on February 9 on another PIL, which had raised various questions over virtual non-implementation of laws beneficial to the voiceless children, particularly the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. The Supreme Court bench had issued a set of directions after holding that since the involvement of the sate machinery is critical to child rights and the effective implementation of the JJ Act, it would be appropriate if each High Court and its Juvenile Justice Committees continue its proactive role in the welfare of children.