Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 10: The High Court today sought information from the Government about the functioning of Juvenile Justice Boards constituted recently.
The Division Bench of Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir and Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey today sought the information within two days and listed the matter again a day after tomorrow (April 12).
The sanction was already accorded to creation of 8 posts of Magistrates for the 8 JJBs which were constituted for district Anantnag, Baramulla, Srinagar, Jammu, Doda, Rajouri, Kargil and Leh in the first phase after notifying the jurisdiction of these 8 boards.
High Court directed the Government to inform it within two days about the functioning of these JJBs after the counsel representing Social Welfare Department submitted that members and Magistrates for these JJBs are yet to be appointed.
Court, however, observed to State counsel that he is not aware of the fact that Selection cum Over sight committee has already recommended the members and Magistrates have also been appointed for making these JJBs functional.
Court observed to him that he is appearing before the division bench without preparation of the case and wasting the public time of the court. He has been asked to seek information from Commissioner/Secretary about the fact, to which the counsel submitted that he has retired recently. Court was surprised and observed that the department (SWD) is running without its major head and in these circumstance and in view of the importance of the case, Court asked the Counsel to enquire it about Chief Secretary of the State.
Last month Court after providing information about the constitution of 8 JJBs had said the next step has to be taken for the High Court to nominate judicial magistrates to head each of the JJBs and directed the Government to notify the same thereafter in terms of the section as provided in the JJB Act.
The Court in this connection had directed the Registrar General of the Court to put up the proposal for such nomination of the eligible Magistrates in terms of said act before the Court and after nomination of Magistrates, Government was directed to notify the constitution of the board without any delay so that the JJB can become functional at the earliest.
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