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2020 DIGILAW 387 (KER)

Suo Motu v. State of Kerala

2020-05-08

M.R.ANITHA

body2020
ORDER : Shaii P. Chaly, J. 1. This is a suo motu writ petition registered by this Court to tackle various situations during the lock down period declared by the State Government. Various interim orders were passed by this Court with respect to the reports appeared in various newspapers in regard to the alleged atrocities and highhandedness of the police. 2. This Court has also issued a direction to the Social Welfare Department on account of the directives issued by the Apex Court regarding the measures and steps to be taken with respect to the Children Home functioning under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. In accordance with the directions issued by this Court, weekly reports are filed by the Secretary, Social Welfare Department, and we are of the view that adequate steps are being taken to protect the interest and welfare measures of the children in the Homes. The report also shows that verifications are done by the respective Officers over telephone and programmes are conducted in the Homes so as to entertain the children. It is also reported that psychological evaluation of the children are also conducted and counselling is done frequently, in order to avoid any tension during the lock down period. The Secretary, Social Welfare Department is directed to file weekly reports hereafter also for the perusal of this Court. 3. On the basis of the apprehensions voiced by the Advocates with respect to the opening of their offices, a report was sought for from the District Authorities and a statement is filed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Law and Order and Traffic, Kochi dated 28/04/2020. It is stated therein that due to the lock down imposed and advisories issued, the freedom of movement of people and vehicles are restricted. However, it is stated that there are no instances of stopping the advocates' proceedings for work. Therefore, the said submission is recorded. However, I hope that the lawyer community will cooperate with the advisories issued by the Central and State Governments to tackle the pandemic Covid - 19. Post the writ petition on 28/05/2020.