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A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed by Samadhan Abhiyan, seeking a court-monitored investigation into the deaths of 14 people including children. Alternatively, the plea sought a CBI inquiry and a social audit of all shelter homes in the national capital to reveal accurate conditions.
The Delhi High Court, on Monday, directed the Secretary of Social Welfare of the Delhi Government to visit the Asha Kiran shelter home, where 14 inmates, including a child, had died last month.
The bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela held that such a high number of deaths in one month could not be coincidental. The bench listed the matter for August 7. The court further ordered the Delhi Jal Board to test the water quality as several of the deceased were suffering from tuberculosis.
The court noted that, if the shelter home was overcrowded, some residents might need to be relocated to a more suitable location.
The petitioners highlighted significant lapses in the shelter home’s operations, including those managed by Delhi Government bodies. The Government reported that, of the 14 deceased, only one was a child, with the rest being adults. He added that all deceased inmates had severe intellectual disabilities and other comorbidities.
It was also revealed that most of the deaths occurred in the hospital, and post-mortem reports were pending.
The court emphasized two aspects: 'criminal investigation and accountability', and the immediate need for remedial measures. The court urged prompt corrective actions, including addressing potential water shortages and ensuring adequate hygiene and staffing at the shelter home.
Case Title: Samadhan Abhiyan v. GNCTD & Ors.
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