‘Shocking’: Bombay HC Orders Inquiry into New Year’s Party with Alcohol at Children’s Shelter Home
The incident dates back to 2014, when a New Year’s Eve party with alcohol and dancers was allegedly held at a shelter home for differently-abled children;
While expressing 'shock', the Bombay High Court on Monday, June 16, ordered an inquiry in a case where a New Year’s Eve party, reportedly involving alcohol and dancers, was organised nearly 13 years ago at a shelter home for differently-abled children, where even minor girls were allegedly made to dance.
A division bench headed by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne has directed the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities to complete an inquiry and forward the findings to the state government within six weeks. The division bench has also called for a compliance report in three months.
The PIL before the High Court has been filed by social activist Sangeeta Punekar, who reportedly raised concerns about serious lapses at a government-funded shelter home in Mumbai’s Mankhurd area. As per the plea, the shelter home reportedly housed around 265 residents at the time and was managed by the Children's Aid Society (CAS).
When the matter came up before the Chief Justice-led Bench, it was noted that it had been 13 years since the incident took place and no action had been taken in this regard.
Expressing shock, the High Court observed that even though an inquiry had been conducted into the incident, no action had been taken against delinquent officials or the superintendent of the shelter home.
According to the PIL, when the incident occurred, around 26 mentally challenged girls were present at the New Year’s Eve party, which was held on December 31, 2012.
Case Title: Sangeeta Sandeep Punekar v State of Maharashtra & Ors