Re-do preparation of Social Investigation Report, Karnataka HC directs state in matter regarding sexually abused girls rescued from Ashram

The Karnataka High Court today directed the state to re-do the Social Investigation Report as well as individual care plans for minor girls who were recently rescued from an Ashram in Bangalore where they were sexually and physically abused..The Bench of Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Justice Ashok S Kinagi ordered for a fresh report as major defects were noted in the same..The Court observed that several important columns such as "whether child is victim of any offence", "previous case history", "action taken against perpetrator" were left blank by the social workers who prepared the report. It was further pointed out to the Court by counsel for the petitioner Advocate Maitreyi Krishnan that while preparing individual child care plans, the contents of the report would be taken into consideration..Additionally, the Court asked the state,.“Are they [social workers] given training to make social investigation reports? They must know how it should be prepared.”.In this regard, CJ Oka directed for training to be provided by the state to the social worker/child welfare officer/recognized non-government organization for the preparation of the report and child care plans as per provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act. The Court also noted that training for these persons was essential to make them understand the critical role they play in the process..The Court also directed the state to place on record if there were any recognized non-governmental organizations to prepare the report..The matter will be next listed on April 20..Last month, the Court had directed for the continuation of counselling for five rescued minor girls who underwent physical and sexual abuse at an Ashram in Bangalore last year..Karnataka HC directs State to continue counselling for sexually abused girls rescued from Bangalore Ashram.They were brought to the Government Girl Children's Home, which is maintained by the Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Karnataka in March last year.