Chennai: Pursuant to an order of Supreme Court, Madras high court has initiated suo motu proceedings on effective implementation of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The first bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice Abdul Quddhose, initiating the suo motu proceedings, ordered notice to the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry governments and posted to April 2 for further hearing of the case.
Keeping in mind the concerns expressed by all counsel and the need to invigorate the juvenile justice system in the country, the Supreme Court had on February 9, gave 16 directions for effective implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act, on a PIL from Sampurna Behura. In her PIL, Sampurna Behura sought a direction to the chief secretaries, directors general of police and superintendents of police of all states to immediately implement the JJ Act in its true spirit. She also sought a direction to all states to provide basic amenities for juveniles in various homes.
In its order, the Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Madan B.Lokur and Deepak Gupta said since the involvement of state governments and the Union Territories was critical to child rights and the effective implementation of the JJ Act, it would be appropriate if each high court and the juvenile justice committee of each high court continues its proactive role in the welfare of the children in their state.
