Delhi High Court Demands Action for Homeless as Cold Grips Night Shelters
The Delhi High Court has voiced serious concern over the plight of homeless people in the city. On Monday, the court urged authorities to act with sensitivity. It called for appropriate and adequate steps to protect residents of night shelters from the chilling cold.
Court Takes Suo Motu Cognisance
A bench led by Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia issued a notice to the Centre, the Delhi government, and the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board. The court directed them to review the condition of these shelters immediately.
The judges took suo moto cognisance of the case. This action followed a referral from another bench comprising Justices C Hari Shankar and Om Prakash Shukla. They flagged a news report in a daily newspaper that highlighted how shelter residents were grappling with acute cold.
News Report Sparks Judicial Intervention
The high court took note of the report focusing on the pitiable condition of patients and their relatives. These individuals are forced to brave the chill outside AIIMS due to a lack of adequate shelter facilities. The court stated that the issue called for urgent executive and judicial intervention.
During the hearing, the bench expressed strong views. It told additional solicitor general Chetan Sharma and standing counsel Ashish Dixit to be sensitive. The judges remarked, "What did you do? If any one of us is required to live a night there, we don't know what will happen. Be sensitive."
Authorities Assure Action
The counsel for the authorities assured the court that it was a human problem that should be taken care of. They acknowledged the gravity of the situation and promised to address the concerns promptly.
Chief Justice Upadhyaya's bench has listed the matter for further hearing on Wednesday. The court asked the counsel for the authorities to take instructions on steps needed to ramp up facilities at the shelters. This directive aims to ensure swift improvements before the cold intensifies.
The court's intervention underscores the critical need for better infrastructure and care for Delhi's homeless population. As temperatures drop, the urgency to provide warm and safe shelters becomes paramount. The authorities must now demonstrate their commitment through concrete actions.
