Delhi HC Criticizes Finance Dept Over Fund Allocation Delay for Asha Kiran

The Delhi High Court criticized the Finance Department for not allocating funds for de-congesting the Asha Kiran shelter home, following recent inmate deaths. The court stressed urgency, directing authorities to act immediately, citing financial constraints should not impede addressing critical issues.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday criticized the Finance Department of the Delhi Government for failing to allocate the necessary funds to the Department of Social Justice. The funds were meant for acquiring a building from the MCD to alleviate overcrowding at Asha Kiran, a shelter home for the intellectually disabled.

In a session led by Chief Justice Manmohan, accompanied by Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, the court expressed dissatisfaction with the Finance Department's Additional Chief Secretary. The Department's approach to the fund allocation issue was deemed lackadaisical. Assurances were given by the Additional Chief Secretary to expedite the process, and the court was informed of a report scheduled for submission before the next hearing on December 13.

The urgency in addressing the dire situation was underscored by the court, reminding officials that 14 deaths had occurred. The court directed discussions with the MCD for queries. Urgent needs at the Asha Kiran shelter were to be prioritized over procedural delays, stressing that financial constraints must not hinder addressing crucial issues. The court also pushed for additional resources and staff to be allocated, urging immediate implementation of these measures, emphasizing human lives' value and demanding management accountability for any lapses.

(With inputs from agencies.)