India, Nov. 14 -- The Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) has been without a chairperson and members since May, leaving 1,431 cases related to child welfare unresolved. Growing concern among activists, parents and complainants prompted education activist Nitin Dalvi to file a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Bombay high court, seeking immediate appointments to the commission. The case is scheduled for hearing on December 3.

Dalvi said the inaction of not constituting a committee reflected the government's lack of seriousness in protecting children's rights. "This is not the first time the government has allowed the commission to remain vacant," he said. "Between 2020 and 2022, it was without leader...