Today, On 5th August, The Delhi High Court described the deaths of 14 inmates at the Asha Kiran shelter home as a “strange coincidence” and mandated an inspection by the social welfare secretary. The court also ordered water testing and requested a comprehensive report from the authorities. The case will be reviewed again on August 7.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court, On Monday, observed that the recent deaths of 14 inmates at the government-run Asha Kiran shelter home for the mentally challenged was a “strange coincidence.”
The court directed the social welfare secretary to visit the premises on August 6 and submit a report.
The bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, noted that “nearly all” the deceased suffered from tuberculosis and instructed the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to test the water quality and inspect the condition of the water and sewer pipelines at the shelter home.
Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, who also sits on the bench, stressed the need for “curative measures.” They mentioned that if the shelter home was overcrowded, steps should be taken to decongest it by relocating some inmates to other facilities. Fourteen inmates, including a child, passed away at Asha Kiran in July.
The court was hearing a PIL requesting an investigation into the deaths and scheduled the next hearing for August 7. According to official data, since February, 25 inmates have died at the center, which currently houses 980 “intellectually disabled” individuals, including men, women, and children.
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Furthermore, the court sought a detailed report from the concerned authorities, outlining the steps taken to address the issue and prevent future occurrences. This report expected to provide insights into the current state of the shelter home, highlight any lapses in safety protocols, and recommend corrective actions.
The Delhi High Court‘s proactive stance on this matter reflects its commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of individuals with mental disabilities.
In conclusion, the court’s order for water testing and a comprehensive report marks a crucial step towards addressing the pressing issues at Asha Kiran shelter home. It is hoped that this intervention will lead to significant improvements in the living conditions and prevent any further tragedies, thereby safeguarding the health and well-being of the shelter home’s residents.