The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has recently issued a directive to the Jammu and Kashmir government to respond to a series of recommendations aimed at curbing child sexual abuse or harassment. These recommendations include the introduction of sex education in the school curriculum.
The Court, on its own motion v. State of J&K and others, has initiated an ongoing suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to check on measures to protect children from abuse and exploitation in Jammu and Kashmir.
On October 5, a bench comprising Chief Justice N Kotiswar Singh and Justice Rajesh Sekhri directed the government authorities to file their response to the recommendations made by child rights activist and lawyer, Meenu Padha.
In addition to revising the curriculum in government and private schools, the recommendations call for teachers to be sensitized and equipped with the skills to identify victims or determine who is likely to become a victim of child abuse.
Meenu Padha has further suggested setting up one-stop centers to report child abuse complaints and to immediately redress the grievances of the victims and their families. She has also recommended the staging of street plays to raise public awareness and to narrate preventive measures to the public in a simple form.
According to Padha, Anganwadis and Nukad Natak (street plays) play a prominent role in spreading awareness regarding child abuse and exploitation. These organizations can conduct social experiments and spread awareness among people. They can also narrate preventive measures to the public in the simplest and easiest form.
Padha has also highlighted poverty as one of the major causes of child abuse and has suggested that the government should make efforts to strengthen the economic conditions of families in the country.
The case is anticipated to be scheduled for the next hearing on November 15th.
Ms. Meenu Padha submitted the recommendations to the Court via her legal representative, advocate Nikhil Padha. Senior Additional Advocate General (AAG) Mr. SS Nanda appeared on behalf of the government and acknowledged the receipt of the notice.
Click Here to: Download/View Related File
TAGS: Jammu and Kashmir High Court Public Interest Litigation sex education Child Rights Private Schools child abuse Srinagar Wing school government schools High Court of J&K and Ladakh
