Beti bachao, Beti padhao: Bombay HC takes suo motu cognizance of arduous journey which young girls in Maharashtra village have to undertake to reach their schools
The Bombay High Court took suo motu cognizance of the arduous journey which young girls in Maharashtra village have to undertake to reach their schools.
Background
The Court came across a news-item on a news portal – MumbaiTak, as reported by Imtiyaz Mujawar. The news item reflects the adventurous journey of children in general and girl child in particular in a village namely, Khirvandi, Tq. Javali, District Satara. The news item refers to the daily routine of girl children wherein the girl students have to undertake a journey by boat to reach the school. The school starts at 09.00 am. It also refers to a shocking reality that a small boat is being plied by the girl students themselves. This particular village comes under a protected area. The girl students are supposed to take up the journey in a boat to cross from one end of Koyna Dam to the other end firstly and thereafter, from the other end, a nearly 4 kms journey through dense forest. The news item states that this area is inhabited by wild animals including bear, tiger etc.
Decision
The division bench of Justice Anil S. Kilor and Justice Prasanna B. Varale stated that they are short of words to express the suffering and plight of students in general and girls in particular.
Considering the situation reflected in the news item, the court stated that on one hand the adversities being faced by the girl children, and on the other hand, there is courage, will and strong determination of these students to pursue academic career.
The court further stated that the laudable object of the moto ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ can be achieved only by providing a safe passage and a friendly atmosphere and environment for the girl children by the State.
By taking the cognizance of the above news-item, the court directed the Registry to place the matter for further orders / directions before the appropriate bench as per roster assignment.
Case title: SUO MOTO PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION OF 2022
