The Bombay High Court on Wednesday has expressed dissatisfaction with the Maharashtra government’s failure to establish a Child Safety Committee, despite previous directives following the Badlapur school sexual assault incident.
A division bench comprising Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan noted the government’s actions contradicted its assurances.
The court had taken suo motu cognizance of the alleged sexual assault and ordered the formation of a committee to submit recommendations on school safety and security within eight weeks. However, the government failed to contact committee members, prompting the court’s concerns.
The bench questioned the government’s expectations for the committee’s functionality, emphasizing it should not merely exist on paper.
Public Prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar undertook to seek instructions from Advocate General Birendra Saraf and report back to the court. The matter is scheduled for hearing on October 1.”
