In Brief

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Supreme Court issued comprehensive directions to protect vulnerable children in care institutions and children in conflict with law. The Court directed State Governments, Child Welfare Committees, Juvenile Justice Boards, and Child Care Institutions to implement preventive hygiene and social distancing measures, conduct health screening, and ensure adequate resources. The Court emphasized that institutionalization should be a last resort, with preference for family reunification and bail for children in conflict with law. Regular psychological support, monitoring to prevent violence, and flexible evolving responses to the pandemic were mandated. High Court Juvenile Justice Committees were tasked with ensuring weekly compliance monitoring across all institutions.

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