HC seeks govt status report on condition of shelter homes

"Status report to be filed within three weeks regarding the living conditions of Jahangirpuri, Sarai Rohilla and Motia Khan shelter homes and also the existing medical facilities for pregnant and lactating women there," Justice Rajiv Shakdher said.

The court was hearing a plea filed by Priya Kale, who resides in Motia Khan shelter home, seeking court's intervention saying "the current conditions at permanent shelters in Delhi are wholly inadequate and require substantial and continuous promotion, renovation, and supervision."

She alleged that her two-month-old baby had died last month due to inhuman conditions in the Motia Khan shelter home.

"This is particularly hostile for homeless pregnant and lactating women and their children who are an especially vulnerable group of persons within the homeless community," the petitioner said and sought a direction to the government to compensate her for loss of her child in cold weather because of negligence of the respondents.

Meanwhile, on her another plea, the court asked the Manager of Motia Khan shelter home to provide food including breakfast, lunch and dinner to the residents.

"The Manager of the shelter home shall ensure adequate provisions for food for the residents which include breakfast, lunch and dinner," the court said.

When the Delhi Govt counsel argued that there was no provision to provide food to the residents, the court said "even if there is no provision you provide food for them as the right to food is a constitutional right."

The court has now fixed March 12 for further hearing of the matter. MORE