Introduction:

The Delhi High Court recently addressed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Ajay Gautam concerning the pervasive issue of child begging in the national capital. The court directed the Delhi Government and Delhi Police to enhance awareness about the child helpline number 1098, crucial for addressing incidents related to child begging.

Arguments:

Ajay Gautam, representing himself, highlighted the prevalence of child begging despite existing measures. He emphasized the urgent need for effective implementation and awareness about the child helpline number, citing the persistent challenges faced in eradicating child beggary around Delhi, even in close proximity to the High Court.

The Delhi Government, represented by counsel Santosh Kumar Tripathi, presented a status report and a detailed flow chart outlining the handling process of the child helpline number and reported cases. Assuring the court of their commitment, they stated that the implementation of the flow chart would ensure prompt and effective responses to incidents of child begging.

Court’s Judgment:

The division bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, acknowledged the efforts of the Delhi Government while also noting the persistent challenges on the ground. They directed the authorities to ensure widespread publicity of the child helpline number 1098 to combat child begging effectively. The court accepted the status report and the flow chart, holding the Delhi Government accountable for their implementation.