The Gauhati High Court has directed that the Assam State Legal Services Authority apprise the High Court regarding the various schemes of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) as well as the Assam State Legal Services Authority regarding the children in shelter homes.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Suman Shyam heard a Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on the issue of children who are facing ill effects of neglect owing to the eviction drives.
R.S. Chowdhury, Standing Counsel, Assam State Legal Services Authority (ASLSA) and D. Nath, Senior Government Advocate, Assam have submitted that after registration of the present PIL (Suo Motu), the condition in the temporary shelter homes has now been substantially improved.
However, B.D. Konwar, d Amicus Curiae has contradicted the said position and has submitted that the condition of the children in the temporary shelter homes is not up to the mark.
Taking into consideration the above facts and circumstances of the case, the High Court deemed it appropriate to direct Standing Counsel, Assam State Legal Services Authority to instruct the Secretaries of the respective District Legal Services Authorities to take stock of the situation in the shelter homes, more particularly, regarding the condition of the children and thereafter, submit a report before the Court on the next date of hearing .
While posting the matter on 01.05.2024 , the Court directed the Senior Government Advocate, Assam to submit a report regarding the latest condition of the shelter homes before the Court by the next date of hearing.