Jharkhand High Court Chief Justice Inspects Home For Minor Girls To Review Living Conditions, Directs Formation Of Female Officer Team

Jharkhand High Court Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan recently conducted a surprise inspection of 'Premashray', a Home for minor girls in Ranchi, to review the living conditions, interact with the children, and assess the overall functioning of the institution.

During his visit, the Chief Justice personally met and interacted with the children and listened to their concerns and experiences.

After taking note of their concerns the Chief Justice issued the following directed:

• Constitution of Female Officer Team: The Secretary, DLSA, has been directed to form a team of female officers to interact individually with each girl and ensure necessary follow-up action.
•  Compassionate Approach by DCPO: The District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) was instructed to act with compassion and avoid delays in restoration processes.  In cases where parents are unavailable, the DCPO must make timely arrangements for placement in foster care or other suitable alternative care.
• Directions were issued to ensure that no unnecessary procedural hurdles and administrative formalities, specially when a child wishes to return home and the parents are ready to take custody.

 Most of the girls expressed their wish to go back to their families, however, several were unable to return due to pending administrative formalities. Some girls were unable to provide details of their home or family, highlighting the need for strengthened counselling and tracing efforts.

Meanwhile the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), apprised  Chief Justice of the difficulties in accommodating children with special needs, as the State capital presently lacks a dedicated institution for such children. Taking note of the same, the Chief Justice directed the Secretary, DLSA, to submit a detailed report on the issue.

The inspection was attended by the High Court's Registrar General, members of the Juvenile Justice Committee, Ranchi, JC Ranchi ,Director Social Security, District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), and other officials from the Registry of the High Court.