Delhi High Court seeks Status Report from Delhi Government and others on plea seeking compensation for children who were orphaned due to COVID-19

The Delhi High Court today sought status report from Centre and Delhi Government on plea seeking protection of children who were orphaned due to COVID-19 against being trafficked till they are legally adopted.

The Division bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh has also sought replies and status report from Union Ministries of Home Affairs, Women and Child Development and Health, the Delhi Police city police and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights.

The plea filed by Advocate Jeetender Gupta, has sought directions to the authorities to provide the interim custody of such children to their relatives or child care homes and protect their identity.

Adv Jeetendra Gupta appearing in person submitted that No conclusive order having pan India effects has been passed granting compensation to these children.

Gupta argued that the High Court had the jurisdiction to examine the schemes of Delhi Government as to whether hey are sufficient.

Gupta urged the Court to examine the steps taken by Delhi Govt and its bodies to protect orphaned children.

He said the present scheme grants Rs. 5,000 per month to children which was a meagre amount.

Advocate Ravi Prakash informed the Court that the Apex Court had passed a comprehensive order on the issue.

The Court has listed the matter for next hearing on September 20.

Gupta has also sought for directions to the concerned authorities to explore the options for legal adoptions after scrutinising the details of those who have expressed an interest to adopt such children.

Case Title: Jeetender Gupta vs UOI