Child Welfare Committees Cannot Recommend Action Against Schools Under Juvenile Justice Act: J&K&L HC

The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has held that Child Welfare Committees have no statutory power to recommend punitive or legal action against educational institutions under the Juvenile Justice Act.

The Court set aside an order passed by the Child Welfare Committee, Srinagar, which had directed action against a private school for allegedly expelling a minor student.

It observed that the Juvenile Justice Act does not confer any supervisory, disciplinary, or regulatory powers on CWCs over schools.

The Court emphasised that CWCs must function strictly within the limits of powers granted under the Act and cannot assume authority not expressly provided by law.

[Private School v. Child Welfare Committee, Srinagar]