The running of orphanages and the treatment meted out to children in orphanages have come under the Supreme Court’s scanner..A Bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud today issued notice to all states in an appeal by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) against an order of the Calcutta High Court..The Calcutta High Court had stopped the NCPCR from investigating trafficking of children lodged in orphanages. Subsequently, the Commission had moved the Supreme Court against the High Court order, with Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for it..The Supreme Court, in a detailed order, decided to widen the ambit of the appeal stating,.“Right of a child is absolutely sacred. Future of the country depends on the character and destiny of children.”.Stating that a comprehensive view needs to be taken pertaining to “running of orphanages, adoption of children in orphanages, and treatment meted out to children in orphanages”, the Court asked NCPCR to amend its petition and arraign all states as respondents..It further ordered that all states shall be served notice by email once the petition is amended by the appellant..Importantly, the Court also proceeded to refer to the Protection of Human Rights Act, its implementation, and the constitution of Human Rights Courts under the Act..The same shall also be considered when the matter is taken up next on January 22. The order of the Calcutta High Court has also been stayed by the three-judge Bench..Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.
