Supreme Court Seeks Action On Shelter Homes Shortage Across India

The Supreme Court raised concerns over the lack of shelter home in India during a hearing on a petition. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioner, highlighted that most shelter homes are overcrowded. The court asked Bhushan about the number of shelter homes currently available.

Bhushan said the Supreme Court had asked all states to file status reports in 2022. The court will next hear the case on December 17. A bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Vishwanathan asked the Attorney General to assist. The court also directed the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) to submit an affidavit on shelter home facilities.

DUSIB Shuts Five Shelter Homes in Delhi

Earlier, the Supreme Court ordered DUSIB to provide a report with photos on five shelter home it had closed. These shelters near Dandi Park in Delhi were shut down due to poor conditions. Their closure forced many homeless people to live on the streets during winter.

Bhushan noted that Delhi has around 200 shelter homes, but only 66 are permanent. He added that despite the Supreme Court’s ban in 2022 on demolishing urban shelters without permission, DUSIB locked these homes.

Data Highlights National Shortage

The central government reported 9,300 shelter homes nationwide, with only 32% registered under the Juvenile Justice Act. Bhushan cited a 2016 survey showing 4.7 lakh children in orphanages, while 2018 data from the WCD Ministry listed only 2.61 lakh children.

The court stressed the urgency of addressing the shelter home shortage in India. It urged swift action to protect vulnerable populations from harsh conditions.

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