DCPCR Notice To ASI To Suspend Tughlakabad Demolition Drive

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), had on January 11, issued a notice  regarding the removal of illegal occupants of houses inside Tughlakabad Fort area by January 26.  

Taking suo-moto cognisance of the drive, the child rights body said taking away the shelter from these families is nothing short of cruelty in such extreme weather of Delhi.

"Eviction of young children without proper rehabilitation measures is a violation of basic human rights. We urge ASI to take necessary steps to ensure children's welfare. We will continue to monitor the situation closely," DCPCR chairperson Anurag Kundu said. 

The Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) also directed the ASI to submit its correspondences to different authorities and enabling them to take measures for the rehabilitation of children.   

There was no immediate response from the Archaeological Survey of India on the matter. 

The DCPCR also expressed concern on how, within 15 days of the issue of notice, all actions, including demolition/eviction, will be taken against the said residents, without any relief or rehabilitation measures for the children of the area.

In its notice to ASI, the child rights body stated, "As per section 75 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, any abuse, exposure or willful neglect of the child, which may cause mental or physical suffering to the child, is a punishable offence with an imprisonment of three years or a fine of Rs 1 lakh or both. 

"In lieu of the same, the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights, in exercise of its powers under Section 130 and Section 14 of the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005, issues the present notice advising for suspension of the said demolition pending the rehabilitation of children," the notice added.