SC accepts JK juvenile justice committee's report on illegal detention

The Supreme Court on Friday said that misinformation about the detention of children in Jammu and Kashmir was spread after the revocation of the region's special status.

A bench headed by Justice N V Ramana made observations on a report filed by four judges of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court on a petition filed by child rights activist Enakshi Ganguly on illegal detention of juveniles in Kashmir.

"It seems that misinformation is being spread, no minor is being detained," the apex court said after admitting the report.

Four judges, in their report submitted in a sealed cover, said that the allegations pertaining to detention of minors by state authorities in the valley are 'wrong'.

The court said, "We are satisfied with the report. If there is any kind of illegal detention in individual cases, they can approach the appropriate forum for relief."

It directed the state to provide psychiatric and medical assistance from the Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (IMHANS) in Kashmir to the needy.

The top court had earlier asked the Juvenile Justice Committee of Jammu and Kashmir High Court to file a detailed fresh report on the allegations levelled by the petitioner.

Enakshi Ganguly, in her petition, claimed that there are alleged "detention and killing of children" in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.

She alleged that there are 'serious violations' of the rights of children.