Sonia Oinam, deputy secretary of the Social Welfare Department, government of Manipur, on Thursday appeared before the court to explain the Juvenile Justice Fund and a budget allegation following the direction of the Manipur High Court division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice MV Muralidaran. However, it appeared that this was due to a mistake by amicus curiae, who admitted to the same.
Amicus Curiae, Romenkumar, clarified before the HC on Thursday that he made a mistake while examining the document placed on record on the last occasion regarding Demand No 44 - Social Welfare Department, in as much as there is a specific provision therein at page 44.19 with regard to the budget estimate of ₹ 1,44,000 for creation of the Juvenile Justice Fund.
However, Sonia Oinam, present in person, stated that a sum of Rs 1,44,000 deposited in the Juvenile Justice Fund for the year 2021-22 was used for construction of a ‘Cradle Point’ at the Government Children’s Home for boys at Charangpat Maning Leikai at Thoubal District. He added that a larger sum was apportioned to the Juvenile Justice Fund during 2020-21 and was spent for medical treatment earlier.
She also sought time to file a comprehensive affidavit setting out all the details and as such, the court fixed November 24 for filing of a comprehensive affidavit.
The Manipur High Court, on its own motion, took up the matter to implement the Juvenile Justice Act provision properly in the state.
While hearing the matter, the amicus curiae pointed out the 2018 Supreme Court judgment in the Sampurna Behura case, that the state of Manipur is statutorily bound to constitute a Juvenile Justice Fund, but even as on date, no steps have been taken.
