SHEELA BARSE Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) A letter from Ms Sheela Barse addressed to the Hon'. ble chief justice of India with respect to the deplorable conditions in which mentally ill and insane women were locked up and kept in Presidency Jail, Calcutta, was registered as a writ petition and certain orders passed. Subsequently, Ms Sheela Barse withdrew from the matter. In her place, the Supreme court Legal Aid Committee was substituted. Several orders were passed by this court from time to time. Commissioners were also appointed to investigate and report on the conditions obtaining in places where women and children were being detained. Over the years, this court has also been monitoring the implementation of its orders.

(2.) When this matter was placed before us on 21/8/1995, it was suggested by Shri S. Muralidhar, learned counsel for the petitioner (Supreme court Legal Aid Committee) and also by some of the learned counsel appearing for the respondents that it would be appropriate if the function of monitoring the implementation of the several orders passed by this court is made over to respective High courts. It was suggested that each High court be requested to monitor and ensure proper and full implementation of the orders of this court insofar as that particular State is concerned. We found the suggestion acceptable. Shri Muralidhar, learned counsel for the petitioner and Shri Harish Salve, learned counsel for the respondents have placed before us their suggestions. The following orders are made after hearing the learned counsel:

(3.) With the above directions, the matter is closed.