Hello friends, Today we are going to talk about a very sensitive and important issue. Many laws have been made in our country to protect the rights of children and their welfare, but the question arises whether these laws are being implemented properly. Recently, the Delhi High Court, while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), has sought a reply from the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and the Delhi Police. In this petition, it has been demanded that the Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU) in every district should have all the members who are mandatory under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

Why do questions arise?

This PIL has been filed by a petitioner named Alpha Faris Dayal, who says that Special Juvenile Police Units (SJPUs) in many districts of Delhi are incomplete and are not working properly. These units are formed under Section 107 of the Juvenile Justice Act and their main objective is to protect the rights of children. But the reality is that in many districts these units are functioning without the necessary members, whose presence is necessary under this law.

High Court order and next hearing

Considering the seriousness of the matter, a bench of Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Tushar Rao Gedela of the Delhi High Court has sought an updated status report from the Delhi Police, in which it should be clearly stated what is the status of these units in each district and whether the vacant posts have been filled or not. The court has scheduled the next hearing of this case on 30 April 2025.

Big disclosure from RTI

• To understand this matter in depth, the petitioner filed a Right to Information (RTI) application on 7 November 2024, in which information was sought from Delhi Police about the status of these units. When the answers were received, the situation looked worrying.
• In the reply received from South District, it was clearly stated that no special policeman is working in SJPU and neither any social worker is posted.
• The same reply was received from the New Delhi District that there is no social worker in their SJPU.
• The North-East District informed that the welfare officers who were earlier working in SJPU were transferred in February 2023 and no one has been appointed in their place since then.

SJPUs are necessary for the protection of children

The job of Special Juvenile Police Units (SJPUs) is not only to look into cases related to crimes but also to ensure that the rights of children are not violated under any circumstances. These units help in the rehabilitation of children, protect their interests by coordinating with government and non-government organizations, and work to provide a safe environment for the children. However, the revelations made through RTI highlight the flaws of this entire system. When there is not enough staff in these units, then how will the work of protection and rehabilitation of children be done?

Increasing crimes and children’s involvement

Another shocking truth is that not only are crimes against children increasing, but according to a police report, the number of crimes committed by children in Delhi is also increasing. In such a situation, it becomes even more important for SJPUs to be strong and effective.

Court’s strict stance

The petitioner also argued in his petition that the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court have made it clear in their decisions from time to time that the rights of the most vulnerable sections of society, especially children, should be given priority. That is why amendments were made to the Juvenile Justice Act in 2000, the POCSO Act in 2012, and the Child Labor Act in 2016 to prevent crimes against children and provide them protection. But when the police units implementing these laws are incomplete, how will these laws be implemented properly? This is the question raised in this petition and this is why the court has sought answers from the Delhi Police and the Lieutenant Governor.

What will happen now?

Now all eyes are on the hearing on 30 April 2025, where it will be clear what action the Delhi Police is taking on this issue. Will the vacant posts be filled? Will SJPUs be made fully functional in all districts? All this will be clear only after the court hearing. The future of children is the future of our country. If we do not prioritize their safety and welfare, how can we imagine a safe society? The law should not be limited to papers but should also be implemented at the ground level, this should be the wish of every citizen. It is hoped that this step of the court will work to bring a big change in the safety of children and the protection of their rights.

Disclaimer:
This article is written for the purpose of providing information only. The information given in it is based on various news sources and legal documents. If you need more information or legal consultation on this subject, contact an expert.

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