Probe ordered into 'assault' on boys at Madhuban home in Karnal

Taking suo motu cognisance of allegations of physical assault, corporal punishment and verbal abuse of two minor boys lodged at the Place of Safety (Bal Sudhar Kendra) in Madhuban, Karnal, the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has ordered a comprehensive inquiry and directed multiple departments to submit separate reports on the incident.

Considering the seriousness of the allegations, the Commission has asked the Police Department, the Women and Child Development Department and the Superintendent of the Place of Safety to furnish detailed reports. It has also directed the institution to preserve the CCTV footage of the relevant period and produce it before the Commission before the next hearing.

According to the complaint, the two boys, whose identities have been withheld to protect their privacy, were staying at the Place of Safety under the orders of the Juvenile Justice Board. The complainants alleged that two staff members brutally assaulted the children with pipes and belts, causing multiple injuries.

The complaint further stated that both children were taken to hospital, where their Medico-Legal Reports recorded multiple injuries. It also alleged that although the matter had been reported to the Madhuban police station, no effective action had been taken and the complainants had not been informed whether an FIR had been registered or about the status of the case.

Justice Lalit Batra, chairperson of the Haryana Human Rights Commission, observed, “The allegations made in the complaint are of an extremely serious nature. If found to be true, the matter would not merely concern violence against two children but would also raise serious concerns regarding the safety and protection mechanisms in a state-run Child Care Institution.”

He further observed, “Children placed in a Place of Safety remain under the protective custody of the state. State and its officials stand in loco parentis, assuming the role of guardians. Consequently, it is the constitutional and statutory responsibility of the state to ensure that every child is protected against violence, abuse, neglect and degrading treatment.”

Justice Batra also said the very purpose of such institutions was to provide care, protection, rehabilitation and dignified living while promoting the best interests of children. “Any act of physical assault or cruelty against children residing in such institutions is contrary to the very spirit and objectives of the juvenile justice system,” he observed.

Referring to Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, the Commission reiterated that every individual has the right to equality before the law and to live with dignity, adding that the right to life includes protection from torture, cruelty and degrading treatment.

The Women and Child Development Department has been directed to provide details of officials posted at the institution during the relevant period, along with the duty roster and information on any disciplinary proceedings initiated against the accused staff members.

The Superintendent of the Place of Safety has also been asked to submit a detailed account of the alleged incident and produce the preserved CCTV footage before the Commission through a special messenger in the form of a pen drive or hard disk.

Dr Puneet Arora, Assistant Registrar, HHRC, said all departments had been directed to submit their reports at least a week before the next hearing. The matter will be taken up by the full commission on September 3.