Important Interventions

Sexual Harassment of minors at a Children's Home
(Case No. 3897/30/10/2016)
The National Human Rights Commission received a complaint that the Superintendent of Children's Home run by the Delhi Government in Lajpat Nagar had been subjecting some minor inmates to sexual assault and harassment. The Commission vide proceedings dated 22nd July, 2016 directed the Secretary, Women and Child Welfare, Delhi Government and Commissioner of Police, Delhi to submit reports.
In response, it was informed that during the course of inquiry, the allegations were found correct; six children had been sexually assaulted by the Government functionary. A case was already registered under POCSO Act on the complaint of a victim at the Lajpat Nagar Police Station on the 7th June, 2016. The said errant Superintendent was arrested and two female officers including a Superintendent and a Welfare officer were posted at the Children's Home.
The Commission observed that the conduct of the said public servant amounted to gross violation of the human rights of the victims. Therefore, they were entitled to adequate monetary relief in addition to proper psychological counseling to overcome the trauma of sexual assault. Accordingly, it recommended that the Delhi Government pay Rs. 1 lakh each to all the six victims, who were in the care of its own establishment. In response the Delhi Government informed that the monetary relief as recommended by the Commission had been paid and thus the case was closed.