Bombay High Court Slams Maharashtra Government for Inaction on Child Safety Committee

Background

In 2018, the Bombay High Court issued a directive to the Maharashtra government to form a Child Safety Committee following a sexual assault case at a school in Badlapur. The committee was tasked with making recommendations to enhance the safety and security of children in schools across the state.

Current Situation

Despite the court's directive, the Maharashtra government has failed to take action to constitute the Child Safety Committee. As a result, the Bombay High Court has expressed its dissatisfaction with the government's response.

A division bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan noted that the government's assurances did not match their actions. The court stated that none of the members proposed for the committee had been contacted by the government.

Criticism from the Court

The Bombay High Court has criticized the Maharashtra government for its inaction, stating:

• "The government's apathy is shocking and dismaying."
• "The government is not taking the safety of children seriously."
• "The government's lack of action shows a complete disregard for the court's orders."

Government's Response

The Maharashtra government has defended its inaction, citing ongoing administrative processes. However, the court has rejected the government's explanation, stating that it is "not acceptable."

Top 5 FAQs and Answers on Child Safety Committees

Q1: What is a Child Safety Committee? A1: A Child Safety Committee is a body of experts tasked with developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure the safety of children in a specific setting, such as schools or community centers.

Q2: Why are Child Safety Committees important? A2: Child Safety Committees play a crucial role in protecting children from physical, emotional, and sexual harm by identifying risks, developing prevention strategies, and responding to incidents.

Q3: Who should be on a Child Safety Committee? A3: Child Safety Committees should include a diverse range of experts, such as educators, law enforcement officials, child welfare professionals, and parents.

Q4: What are the responsibilities of a Child Safety Committee? A4: Child Safety Committees are responsible for conducting risk assessments, developing safety policies, training staff and volunteers, providing support to victims, and reporting incidents to relevant authorities.

Q5: How can I report a concern about child safety? A5: If you have concerns about the safety of a child, you should contact the relevant authorities, such as law enforcement, Child Protective Services, or a Child Safety Committee.