Day-care centre for litigants’ children set up at High Court

Saurabh Malik

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 16

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has set up a day-care centre for the children of litigating parties on its premises.

A courtroom is being converted into the centre for the children under the supervision of Justice Ritu Bahri of the High Court. The intention behind the “unique endeavour” by the High Court establishment is to ensure that the children of litigating parties, especially those involved in matrimonial matters, are not exposed to the rigorous and taxing environment of the courts while their parents attend the proceedings.

The centre is expected to be inaugurated on Wednesday in the presence of High Court Chief Justice Shiavax Jal Vazifdar, Justice Bahri and other judges.

The High Court will also depute women attendants to ensure security and for the upkeep of the room. Arrangements have been made for tea, coffee and soup-vending machines. Children will be provided with toys, swings, a computer and a blackboard.

“The entire process is unique and is likely to address the concerns of the litigants who apprehend that court proceedings may have adverse impact on the upbringing of their children. The room is also conducive for providing counselling to children,” a High Court official said.

The practice of providing a children’s room on the court premises is prevalent in several states of the US.