Delhi HC takes active steps to solve health problems of Rohini Ashram inmates

The Delhi High Court on Friday (July 27), reacting to reports that health of women inmates of the Adhyatamik Vishwavidyalaya Ashram at Rohini are in poor physical health, appointed three mediators to look after their health. The appointees are J P Singh, Harkishan Tara and Veena Rani.

The bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar directed Rani to fix a date for mediation along with Dr Surender Nath, Medical Scientist at AIIMS.

It further directed the committee appointed by it comprising Swati Maliwal, chief of Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), Nandita Dhar and Ajay Verma to cooperate with the mediators and Dr Nath.

The bench told the mediators to interact with inmates of the Vishwavidayalaya and also involve their parents or relatives and holistically enlighten the inmates about physical health, personal hygiene and safety.

It also directed MCD to apprise it whether the ashram was built illegally or not.

During the course of proceedings, the bench was informed that the inmates’ inter-personal relationship with their parents, siblings and relatives were not good. And also the inmates were maintaining poor hygiene. Safety was also an issue as Ashram was built illegally.

It was also informed that the steps should be taken for physical and mental wellbeing of the inmates.

This information was disbursed by the court-appointed committee and Director, AIIMS and Director, IBHAS who were earlier directed to examine the mental and physical status of the inmates and submit status reports.

The bench was hearing the plea informing the court that several women along with minors were allegedly being unlawfully imprisoned at the Adhyatmik Vishwa Vidhyalaya Ashram at Rohini and were not allowed to meet their parents.

The bench was posted for next hearing to August 10.

—India Legal Bureau