On Monday, the Delhi High Court took decisive action concerning the tragic deaths at Asha Kiran shelter home, where 14 inmates, including a child, died in the past month. The court has directed the Delhi Government's Social Welfare Secretary to personally visit the shelter home to assess the situation.
A division bench consisting of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela expressed grave concern over the high number of deaths, stating, “14 deaths in one month in the shelter home cannot be a coincidence.” The bench has emphasized the urgency of the matter, given the shelter home’s recent record.
In light of these deaths, many of which were attributed to tuberculosis, the court has ordered the Delhi Jal Board to conduct an immediate examination of the water quality and conditions at the shelter home. The court has also requested a detailed report from both the Delhi Jal Board and the Social Welfare Secretary on their findings, with the next hearing scheduled for August 7.
The court has indicated that if overcrowding is a factor contributing to the issues at the shelter home, it may be necessary to relocate some residents to suitable facilities. The bench is also considering a broader approach, addressing the immediate need for remedial measures and criminal investigations.
Key Recommendations:
The directive followed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Samadhan Abhiyan, which demanded a court-monitored investigation into the deaths and an alternative CBI inquiry. The petitioners also called for a social audit of all shelter homes in the national capital to ensure transparency and proper conditions.
The petitioner’s counsel highlighted severe lapses in the shelter home’s operations, including those involving Delhi Government agencies. The Delhi Government’s counsel clarified that while 14 inmates had died, only one was a child; the rest were adults with severe intellectual disabilities and other comorbidities. Most deaths occurred in hospitals, with post-mortem reports pending.
The court has delineated two primary aspects of the case:
The court's remarks underscored the dual need for both immediate remedial actions and a thorough investigation. Ensuring sufficient drinking water and proper hygiene conditions are among the top priorities for the shelter home.
TAGS: Delhi High Court Asha Kiran Shelter Home 14 Deaths Tuberculosis Delhi Jal Board Overcrowding Public Interest Litigation CBI Inquiry
