New Delhi (Agency): The Delhi High Court has ordered the local government to reveal its steps for rehabilitating children rescued from begging on the streets. The court’s decision came during the hearing of a public interest litigation that aims to end child begging in Delhi.
The court also asked the government to provide a “status report” about children in conflict with the law who have been placed in various rehabilitation centers. Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula specifically requested a detailed report within six weeks. This report should outline the actions taken for such children’s rehabilitation and assess the long-term impact of these centers on the minors.
This case is not new to the judicial system. In August 2022, the High Court had directed the central government, the Delhi government, and the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) to disclose their steps in rescuing and rehabilitating children begging on the streets.
The petitioner, Ajay Gautam, argues that despite multiple programs aimed at tackling child begging, the issue remains a significant problem in Delhi. The court noted that it is crucial to “examine the impact” of the various rehabilitation measures given the persistence of this severe social issue.
The plea also highlights the role of a “begging mafia” in exploiting children. According to the petitioner, these groups often kidnap and force children into begging, sometimes even causing them intentional harm to elicit more sympathy from the public.
The case underscores a significant and disturbing issue affecting children in Delhi, questioning the effectiveness of current government programs. It raises the alarm about the need for more comprehensive and impactful measures.
In addition to begging, the plea notes that young girls and small children are often exploited in other ways, including being given sedatives to attract sympathy. The petitioner contends that these actions go against the Constitution’s mandate for the State to provide the best opportunities for children’s development and to ensure they are not abused.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for October 13, emphasizing the urgency of finding effective solutions for this ongoing problem.