Lekha G –
The Delhi High Court directed the Delhi Government to gather information on minors who have been rendered orphans in the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Jasmeet Singh said, “Loss of one or both parents not only damages the children, it also puts them in a vulnerable situation which could be manipulated to their disadvantage.”
The Court directed various departments of the Delhi Government to call all residents welfare associations, police stations, schools, Anganwadi workers and hospitals to provide information on those who have lost one or both parents.
It further asked the Principal Secretary (health) of the Delhi Government to issue directions to all the hospitals to furnish information of patients who were survived by children to the Department of Women and Child Development without any delay.
The observation was made as a result of submissions by Advocate Prabhsahay Kaur, representing NGO Bachpan Bachao Andolan, that there was a complete lack of information on the number of children and their identities who have become orphans due to the pandemic.
The Court further expressing concern said, “We are dismayed that even though the Juvenile Justice Act has been notified in 2015 and there is a separate department in Delhi Government with a complete mandate, little progress appears to be made…It appears…there has been some feverish activity as if to show the Delhi Government has woken to the reality.”
Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra appearing for Delhi Government said efforts were being made to formulate a policy to provide ex gratia to children who have lost parents due to pandemic and agreed that counselling is also required for kid’s relatives.
Dr Nimesh G Desai, director of IHBAS informed the Court that Mobile Mental Health Unit (MMHU) were being made available in every district and necessary approval has already been obtained from the Delhi Government. The Court has asked authorities to file a status report on the same.
Rahul Mehra also said a concerned department has scheduled a meeting on June 5 to discuss the facilities to be provided to street children affected by Covid-19.
Further, the Court was also informed that Delhi Government has done a recording on the helpline for children and senior citizens and the same would be played on municipal corporation’s garbage collection vehicles, publicity campaign also will be undertaken by advocates of three MCDs, NDMC and Delhi Cantonment Board regarding the same.
The Court has further warned the government of consequences on failure of implementation of the schemes.
