HC notice to centre on poor condition of beggars' homes

The Delhi High Court Wednesday issued notice to the Centre and city government on a PIL seeking basic facilities at beggars' homes in the national capital.

A division bench of Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice R.S. Endlaw sought response from the central government, Delhi government and Delhi police by April 22.

The PIL (public interest litigation) was pending before the Supreme Court since 2000. The apex court had it transferred to the Delhi High Court this year, asking to take appropriate action as the case relates to beggars' homes in Delhi.

The plea has sought basic human and fundamental rights for the beggars here and also to make arrangements for "clean shelter, proper food, clothing and other necessary basic amenities including proper medical aid facilities to all the beggar institutions".

It also sought appointment of visiting committees for periodic visits to these institutions and increase in the number of beggars' homes in Delhi.

The PIL further sought directions not to keep juvenile criminals/insane beggars in the company of other beggars housed in the institutions.

Filed by one Karnika Sawney, the plea sought direction to the Centre for providing vocational training that would provide meaningful work and provision of payment of minimum allowance to the inmates for the work done by them.