By Kawanpreet Kaur 

The Delhi High Court directed the Delhi Government and Delhi police to ensure that publicity is given to the child helpline number 1098 to deal with incidents of child begging. A PIL was filed in the court seeking requisite steps to eradicate the problem of child beggary and related problems in and around Delhi. The court noted that it is crucial to examine the impact of various rehabilitation measures in light of the grave social issue of child begging. 

Earlier, the Court had directed the Delhi Government to appoint a nodal agency for co-ordination between various government entities and administration of child rehabilitation schemes. In September 2023, the Court sought a detailed status report from the Delhi Government on the steps taken for rehabilitating children in conflict with law who have been rescued from child beggary and housed in various rehabilitation centres. It also directed the government to include in the status report the assessment of long-term impact of such rehabilitation centres on the children under their care. 

The Court disposed of the PIL but directed the authorities to file compliance affidavit and listed the matter for hearing on November 05. (Ajay Gautam v. DCPCR & Ors.- W.P. (C) 8417/2021) 

Click here to read/download the order.