The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into allegations of physical assault, corporal punishment, and verbal abuse of two minor children residing at the Place of Safety (Bal Sudhar Kendra) in Madhuban, Karnal district. The commission has directed the Police Department, Women and Child Development Department, and the Superintendent of the Place of Safety to submit separate detailed reports.
Allegations of Brutal Assault
According to the complaint, two minor boys were living at the facility under orders of the Juvenile Justice Board. The complainants allege that two staff members brutally assaulted the children with pipes and belts, causing multiple injuries. After the incident, both children were taken to a hospital, where their Medico-Legal Reports (MLRs) documented the injuries. The complaint also states that despite reporting the matter to Police Station Madhuban, no effective action has been taken, and the complainants have not been informed whether an FIR was registered or its current status.
Commission's Observations
Justice Lalit Batra, Chairperson of HHRC, noted that the allegations are extremely serious. If true, the matter would not only involve violence against two children but also raise serious concerns about safety and protection in a state-run Child Care Institution. He emphasized that children in a Place of Safety are under the protective custody of the state, with officials acting in loco parentis. Thus, it is the constitutional and statutory responsibility of the state to protect every child from violence, abuse, neglect, and degrading treatment.
Juvenile Justice Objectives
Justice Batra observed that the objective of such institutions is to ensure care, protection, rehabilitation, dignified living, and the best interests of children. Any act of physical assault or cruelty against children in these institutions is contrary to the spirit and objectives of the juvenile justice system. Referring to Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, the commission reiterated that every individual has the right to equality and to live with dignity, which includes freedom from torture, cruelty, and inhuman treatment.
Details Sought from Departments
The commission has asked the Women and Child Development Department to submit a report containing names and designations of officials posted at the facility at the relevant time, along with the duty roster and details of any disciplinary proceedings initiated against delinquent officials. The Superintendent of the Place of Safety has been directed to provide a detailed account of the incident, preserve CCTV footage for the relevant period, and produce it before the commission via pen drive or hard disk before the next hearing.
Next Hearing
Dr. Puneet Arora, Assistant Registrar of HHRC, stated that all concerned departments must submit their detailed reports at least one week before the next hearing, which is scheduled to be taken up by the Full Commission on September 3.
