Mitali Palnitkar
Published On: February 18, 2022 at 18:21 IST
On February 17, the Allahabad High Court directed the State authorities to ensure immediate medical and financial help to an unattended mentally retarded young woman.
The Bench comprised of Justices Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Mohd Faiz Alam Khan. It was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) moved by Jyoti Rajpoot.
The Bench asked the District Probation Officer to make sure that the woman, who is lodged in a women protection home, is attended by a qualified psychiatrist to be deputed by the Chief Medical Officer.
The Court stated, “Once the lady is attended by the psychiatrist, it shall be the personal responsibility of the District Probation Officer and Chief Medical Officer, Lucknow to get the requisite medicines administered to the lady.”
The Court emphasized that the District Probation Officer shall personally pay a visit to the lady and enquire about her well being.
The Court directed the Director of Women and Child Welfare, Lucknow to extend help to the woman including the financial help required for her medical care.
The Court stated that the Order shall be immediately communicated to the concerned Officers by State Counsel including the Additional chief Secretary of Department of Women and Child Welfare, Lucknow without waiting for the certified copy of the Order.
The Court asked the District Probation Officer to file an Affidavit mentioning the details of the steps which will be taken to ensure compliance with the Order.
The PIL was filed not only for the welfare of the mentally retarded young woman found roaming in an area in Lucknow but also for the welfare of any such woman found unattended and roaming on streets or in public places.
The Court listed the matter for February 24, 2022.