Court Directs Union and State Authorities to Expedite Processes Under Mission Vatsalya for Juvenile Welfare
In a significant judgment issued on May 8, 2026, the Allahabad High Court has strongly criticized the Union of India and State authorities for delays in fund allocation under the Mission Vatsalya Scheme, which aims to support juvenile homes. The Division Bench, consisting of Justices Rajan Roy and Jaspreet Singh, expressed concern over the lack of urgency and priority in implementing mechanisms for timely release of funds, which is crucial for the welfare of juveniles under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
The court highlighted that the delay in fund disbursement frustrates the welfare objectives intended for juveniles and adversely affects the functioning of juvenile homes. It directed the Union of India to ensure that Project Approval Board (P.A.B.) meetings are held well in advance to facilitate timely approvals and fund releases. The court emphasized the importance of sensitivity and promptness in managing juvenile homes, stressing that delays in fund allocation can lead to significant hardships for the juveniles and the institutions dedicated to their care.
During the proceedings, Sri Vivek Shukla, the Additional Chief Standing Counsel for the State, informed the court that a non-recurring payment of Rs.1 crore to Drishti Samajik Sansthan was pending due to a postponed P.A.B. meeting. He assured that the payment would be made following the meeting scheduled for May 12, 2026, and subsequent resolution approval. Furthermore, the court was informed about the cumbersome nature of the S.N.A. Sparsh Scheme and the efforts to streamline payment processes by transitioning from a centralized treasury to district-wise arrangements.
The learned Amicus Curiae, Apoorva Tiwari, voiced concerns over persistent delays in fund release, attributing them to the inefficiencies of the S.N.A. Sparsh mechanism, which was initiated by the Union of India in July 2023 but remained inadequately implemented by 2026. The court shared these concerns, noting that the absence of a proper mechanism for timely fund release undermines the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, and ultimately affects the juveniles' welfare.
The court has directed the Union of India's Ministry of Women and Child Development to ensure P.A.B. meetings are conducted well in advance to prevent further delays. An officer not below the rank of Under Secretary from the Ministry is expected to join the proceedings via video conferencing to assist in resolving the issues highlighted.
The court underscored that continuous delays force juvenile homes like Drishti Samajik Sansthan to resort to loans from the market, thereby affecting their operational capabilities and jeopardizing the juveniles' welfare. It stressed the need for a sustainable resolution at both Union and State levels to uphold the objectives of the Juvenile Justice Act and the Mission Vatsalya Scheme.
The case is scheduled for further hearing on May 27, 2026, with authorities from the Department of Women and Child Development expected to provide updates via video conferencing.
Bottom Line:
Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 - Delay in fund allocation for juvenile homes under Mission Vatsalya Scheme criticized - Directions issued to Union of India and State authorities for timely mechanisms and fund release to ensure welfare of juveniles.
Statutory provision(s): Juvenile Justice Act, 2015
Anoop Gupta v. Union of India, (Allahabad)(DB)(Lucknow) : Law Finder Doc id # 2896219
