Resource centre for proceedings in child victims case

The centre, located within the premises of the government-run home for girl children in Kellys, aims to bring all relevant stakeholders such as the child welfare committee, juvenile justice board, probation officer, police, public prosecutor, medical officer and Education department officials at one place.

The centre was developed by the Department of Social Defence in collaboration with ‘Save the Children’, a NGO, at the cost of Rs 11.5 lakh. It was inaugurated by Supreme Court judge Indira Banerjee.  Chief Justice of Madras High Court Vijaya Kamlesh Tahilramani laid the foundation stone for the proposed new annexe building for the centre.

“The centre is designed to uphold the dignity and privacy of children during the entire enquiry process by making them feel secure. The room has children-friendly atmosphere such as the presence of fish tanks, wall paintings and play area,” said K Manivasan, Social Welfare department secretary. 

He also said that a designated person will interact with the victims. The other stakeholders could see, hear and observe the process from a different place located in the same campus through video conferencing. 

“The interrogator could either be male or female, depending on the gender of the child. The stakeholders, observing the proceedings, could interact with the child for seeking clarification or additional information only through the interrogator and cannot directly interact with the victim,” said Manivasan. 

In her speech, VK Tahilramani said, “According to the National Commission of Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), out of 2,874 government run homes for children in the country, only 54 are operating in accordance with law. Constant monitoring is required by the concerned agencies.”

She also stressed on the need for proper composition of CWCs and setting up of crisis intervention centres to tackle crimes against children effectively.