New Delhi, Nov. 11 -- The prolonged vacancy of key posts in the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) has once again come under judicial scrutiny, with the Delhi High Court directing the city government to submit a clear timeline for completing the appointments. The court has asked the Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department to explain the present status of the recruitment process and specify when the commission will become fully functional.
A Bench of Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma, in an order dated October 30, directed the official to file an affidavit by November 18, 2026. The court also recalled its earlier warning issued on February 18, cautioning that any further delay in filling the vacancies would be viewed seriously.
"We direct the Secretary of Women and Child Development Department of NCT of Delhi to file an affidavit as regards the status and period within which the vacancies of the DCPCR shall be filled," the Bench observed.
During the hearing, advocate Prabhsahay Kaur also raised concerns over the functioning of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), informing the court that the national body was operating with only its chairperson and without other members. Taking note of the submission, the Bench directed the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development to clarify the commission's composition and current membership through an affidavit.
The court was told that children in Delhi's observation homes exceeded twice their sanctioned capacity, with inadequate facilities. The matter will next be heard on November 20.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.