Kerala High Court Issues 15-Step Framework to Strengthen Juvenile Justice and Child Protection

The Kerala High Court bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji laid down a 15-point framework to enhance the juvenile justice system and safeguard children’s rights.

The Court directed the State to fill vacancies in child protection bodies within four weeks, reconstitute Child Welfare Committees and Juvenile Justice Boards within eight weeks, and ensure annual reports are published on time.

The High Court also ordered the framing of SOPs for Child Care Institution inspections, uploading data of missing children on the Mission Vatsalya portal, forming Special Juvenile Police Units, and conducting annual social audits.

[Suo Motu v. State of Kerala & Ors.]