Delhi High Court Prioritizes Urgent Action for Asha Kiran Shelter Home

Delhi High Court demands immediate action to address the urgent needs at Asha Kiran Shelter Home, with financial constraints not being an excuse. The court also asks for additional resources, staff, and quick implementation of remedial measures to tackle the dire situation effectively.

The Delhi High Court has commanded immediate measures to address critical issues at the Asha Kiran Shelter Home. Emphasizing urgency and expressing disappointment, the court instructed the Secretary to prioritize pressing needs over formal procedures and insisted that financial constraints should not hinder urgent actions.

Led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, the bench directed the Secretary to explore additional resources and staff, including hiring on a contract basis, to handle the emergency. The Social Welfare Secretary assured the court of his personal supervision over the situation.

The High Court further ordered the submission of a fresh status report by Monday, highlighting the necessity for effective intervention. The court suggested liaising with the Lieutenant Governor for additional funds and urged immediate steps to equip the shelter adequately, including mobile toilets and air conditioning. The next hearing is scheduled for Monday.

During the proceedings, the Social Welfare Department Secretary reported the relocation of 14 males to Asha Deep and 10 females to Asha Jyoti. A dormitory has been set up at Asha Kiran, temporarily housing 70 adult females in an air-conditioned auditorium to counteract the heat.

The bench stressed the urgency of human lives, urging swift actions to rectify the shelter's deficiencies. It emphasized connectivity to nearby hospitals and the necessity of fully equipped ambulances onsite. Any failure to implement these measures should lead to accountability and possible management changes.

The Delhi High Court directed the Social Welfare Ministry's Secretary to inspect the shelter and submit a report in light of recent deaths at Asha Kiran, a shelter for the intellectually disabled in Rohini. The direction followed a Public Interest Litigation by NGO Samadhan Abhiyan concerning 25 deaths, including 14 in July alone.

The official report cited loose motion and unconsciousness among the causes of death, with others including mild fever, loose stools, and vomiting. Delhi Minister Atishi announced a magisterial inquiry, with preliminary reports due within 24 hours, promising strict action against negligent officials.