Chhattisgarh HC chief justice calls for collective action to safeguard girl child

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh high court Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha has underscored the need for a multi-sectoral approach to ensure the safety, dignity, and empowerment of the girl child. He stated that this is not only a legal but also a moral and constitutional duty. During the inaugural session of the high court's special cell's state-level consultation on 'Safeguarding the Girl Child: Towards a Safer and Enabling Environment for Her in India', the Chief Justice said a safer environment for a girl child goes beyond protection from harm. It must include access to quality education, healthcare, freedom of expression, and equal opportunities. The goal is to not only prevent injustice but to empower.The consultation, organised for the POCSO Committee and the Juvenile Justice Committee, was held in association with the Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy and the Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority, Bilaspur. Representatives of the judiciary, government departments, law enforcement agencies, NGOs, and civil society organisations attended the event. Justices Sanjay K Agrawal, Rajani Dubey, and Naresh Kumar Chandravanshi were present.The Chief Justice said safeguarding the girl child requires a multi-sectoral approach where health professionals heal, police protect, communities nurture, legal institutions uphold rights, and society changes its mindset. He also urged that every institution of governance must act as a guardian of children's rights. He said it is a collective duty to ensure justice reaches every child who suffers.An informative leaflet titled 'Role of Various Stakeholders Under Protection Of Children From Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act)' was released to create awareness.