The Delhi High Court has intervened in the case of the recent tragic deaths at the Asha Kiran shelter home for the mentally challenged, directing comprehensive water testing after 14 inmates died under mysterious circumstances. The court described the situation as a “strange coincidence” and has taken immediate action to uncover potential environmental or infrastructural causes.
Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, who are overseeing the case, have mandated the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to assess the water quality at the facility and examine the condition of water and sewer pipelines. A detailed report is expected to be submitted promptly.
In a hearing that addressed a public interest litigation (PIL) filed to seek a thorough investigation into the deaths, the court also ordered the social welfare secretary to conduct an onsite inspection of the premises on August 6. The findings from this visit are to be documented in a comprehensive report, due on the day following the inspection.
The judges highlighted the urgent need for “curative measures” at Asha Kiran, which has faced issues of overcrowding. The court suggested that if the facility is found to be over its capacity, steps should be taken to decongest it and relocate some residents to other accommodations.
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This series of deaths, including that of a child, in July has raised significant concerns, with the total reaching 25 inmate deaths since February. The shelter currently houses 980 intellectually disabled individuals, spanning all age groups and both genders.
