HC imposes costs on official being absent

Taking a serious view of a Social Welfare department official not being present in court, the Madras Court has directed him to pay a cost of Rs 5000 to the Mediation and Conciliation Centre of the court.
The matter relates to a PIL filed by Change India, an NGO, seeking a direction to close down child welfare institutions violating the provisions of Juvenile Justice Act and Rules and to strictly implement the Juvenile Justice Act,2000 as amended in 2006, with respect to all child care Institutions whether run by NGOs or by government agencies.
When the matter came up earlier before the First Bench,comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice M. Sathyanarayanan, the government pleader had submitted that the state government was seriously examining the implementation of 16 suggestions made by the petitioner.

The bench, while recording the submission, had asked the Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, to be personally present in court on the next date of hearing ie January 25.
But when the matter came up, it was informed by the government pleader that the official was unwell. It was stated that the Director, Social Welfare Department was present.
On being called, the official was absent following which the Bench imposed costs on the official.
In an additional affidavit, the petitioner claimed there was complete lack of coordination between the departments of Social Defence, Social Welfare, differently abled, Hindu Religious Endowments Board and police authorities at the state as well as district level.

The bench after taking it on record, directed both officials to be present on February 22 and posted the matter for further hearing to that date.