SC seeks TN response on corona spread in Chennai shelter home, 35 children affected

The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a notice to Tamil Nadu government on a news report claiming as many 35 children in a protection home near Chennai got infected by Covid-19.

A bench comprising Justices L. Nageswara Rao, Krishna Murari and S. Ravindra Bhat said that 35 children have been infected with Covid-19 in the shelter home in Tamil Nadu. The bench asked the state government counsel that what steps have been taken in this regard so far.

"We have been told it's because the warden was Covid-19 positive," queried the bench.

The remarks were made by the bench while hearing a matter where it took suo moto cognizance of the condition of the children in protection, juvenile and foster or kinship homes across the country amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The bench took cognizance of the news report that 35 children in a children home in Royapuram, Chennai tested positive for Covid-19. "How did it happen? We are seeking a report. Next hearing on Monday," the bench told the state government counsel.

The bench said it is circulating a questionnaire to the state governments.

"The juvenile justice committees (JJC) of the High Courts will circulate the questionnaire and get data...JJC will ensure that state governments provide the information that is sought," noted the bench.

The bench said it is directing the state government to give directives to the secretary, health ministry of the state government to give status report regarding the issue of spread of coronavirus in the shelter homes, and also detail on the steps taken to provide adequate healthcare to infected children and steps to protect and care for those who are uninfected.