The Patna High Court has directed the State to formulate an Action Plan for the regulation, registration and monitoring of the orchestra/dance/theatre groups accused of trafficking minor kids.

The Court was considering a Writ Petition in Public Interest seeking direction to the State to act against and investigate such orchestra/dance/theatre groups.

The Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Justice Partha Sarthy observed, "All that the petitioner wants is that the State be directed to formulate a comprehensive multistakeholder strategy/State wide Action Plan for the regulation, registration and monitoring of the orchestra/dance/theater groups.....Considering the overall perspective of the circumstances under which this writ petition has been filed, we find such request to be genuine."

The Petitioners were represented by Senior Advocate Sanjay Singh, while the Respondents were represented by Advocate General P.K. Shahi.

The Senior Counsel for State had submitted that in the garb of running orchestra/dance groups, minor children are subjected to trafficking and exploitation, which is impermissible and if allowed to be continued unchecked, would only lead to frustration of the very policy for protecting the children.

The Court asked the State to take immediate action in case any such trafficking is reported in any of the orchestra/dance/theatre groups running in the State and respond to it by the next date.

Cause Title: Just Rights For Children Alliance vs. The State of Bihar

Appearances:

Petitioner- Senior Advocate Sanjay Singh, Advocate Vatsal Verma

Respondent- Advocate General P.K. Shahi, Assistant Counsel to Advocate General Vikash Kumar

Click here to read/ download Order



Patna High CourtACJ Ashutosh KumarJustice Partha Sarthy

Sheetal Joon