The Bombay High Court's Aurangabad bench has strongly criticized the Maharashtra government for persistent gaps in child protection systems. The court directed the state to complete key appointments under juvenile justice bodies by June 30, 2026, and file fresh affidavits on unresolved issues.
Court's Observations on Compliance
Hearing a suo motu public interest litigation on child protection, a division bench of Justice Vibha Kankanwadi and Justice Ajit Kadethankar noted that while some progress had been made, several earlier directives were only partially complied with. The court took on record affidavits from the Women and Child Development Department and the police, stating that a three-member committee had prepared a training curriculum and handbook for Special Juvenile Police Units (SJPU) and Child Welfare Police Officers (CWPO). The programme, approved on April 21, 2026, has been sent to the Home Department.
Inadequate Training Duration
However, the High Court found the proposed six-day training inadequate. It observed that the Juvenile Justice Act and related subjects could not be meaningfully covered in such a short duration and suggested extending it to at least 10 days. The court also emphasized that topics such as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, missing children protocols, and anti-human trafficking measures should be taught in separate sessions. It stressed that training must have a real impact and not become a mere ritualistic exercise. The state has been asked to respond to these suggestions through an affidavit.
Persistent Issues Highlighted by Amicus Curiae
Amicus curiae Senior Advocate P R Katneshwarkar and Advocate Ganesh Gadhe informed the court that several issues persist. These include vacancies in the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, incomplete staffing in child protection bodies, delays in appointments to Juvenile Justice Boards and Child Welfare Committees, and non-publication of annual reports beyond 2023-24. They also flagged a lack of action against unregistered childcare institutions, poor awareness of the Vatsalya portal, and absence of social audits despite over 4,170 rehabilitation cards being issued.
Clarity on Child Welfare Committee Meetings
The High Court noted that the state's reply did not clearly indicate whether Child Welfare Committees in districts were holding the mandated minimum of 20 meetings per month. The court sought clarity on the creation and filling of protection officer posts under the Juvenile Justice Act.
Directions Issued by the Court
Taking note of assurances, the court directed that appointments of chairpersons and members of Child Welfare Committees and Juvenile Justice Boards be completed by June 30, 2026. It also ordered that vacancies of District Child Protection Officers be filled within the same deadline. In another significant direction, the bench instructed the High Court Registrar General to circulate a statewide list of SJPU and CWPO officers to courts, Juvenile Justice Boards, and Child Welfare Committees. This will enable authorities to verify whether child-related cases are being handled by designated officers.
Next Hearing Scheduled
The state has been asked to file further affidavits on vacancies in the State Child Rights Commission and protection officer posts by July 2, 2026. The matter will be heard next on July 9, 2026.
