Delhi High Court asks state to ensure night shelters are available for all needy

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the city government whether directions issued by it to ensure that night shelters are available to all in need during the winter are being implemented by the authorities.
A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw raised the query after it was informed by an NGO that temporary canvas tents are being put up by the authorities and the same can barely accommodate four persons.

The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), however, contended that these tents were being put up voluntarily. The court, thereafter, directed the Board to inspect the tents and see whether they would be adequate for accommodating the homeless people in winter. On October 14, the high court had issued several directions for ensuring availability of night shelters.

These directions included holding meetings of Joint Apex Advisory Committee (JAAC) every fortnight which would be attended by representatives of all departments concerned and NGOs who are working for the benefit of the persons in need of shelter. The authorities were also directed to take remedial measures regarding any deficiency pointed out by the NGOs once the same are verified.

The court had also directed immediate setting up of 13 temporary night shelters at the sites where DUSIB also agrees the need exists and compliance in this regard be reported on the next date of hearing.
The court had also issued specific directions with respect to the running of a shelter at Motia Khan which houses lactating and pregnant women as well as adolescents.