Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant inaugurates State-level consultation meeting on child protection

Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant on Saturday (July 5) inaugurated the State-level stakeholders consultation meeting on child protection in Hyderabad. Titled ‘Voice for the voiceless: rights and protection of children of sexual abuse’, the event was held at Dasarathi Auditorium in MCHRD Institute and marked a significant moment in the State’s efforts to strengthen its child protection framework.

In his inaugural address, Justice Surya Kant, who also serves as Executive Chairman of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), called child safety a national and moral obligation, not just a legal one. “Every instance of neglect or systemic failure is not merely a criminal lapse, but a profound betrayal of childhood,” he said.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, in his special address, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting children and women. “Justice is not only about conviction but also about healing and dignity,” he stated, while highlighting the growing threats of child pornography and online exploitation. He emphasised the importance of cross-sector collaboration to ensure holistic rehabilitation and justice delivery.

The consultation, jointly organised by the Women Safety Wing of Telangana police, the Department of Women Development and Child Welfare, the Telangana State Legal Services Authority and UNICEF, brought together key stakeholders from across the legal, police, healthcare and civil society sectors.

Telangana Director General of Police Jitender outlined the evolution of Telangana’s Bharosa Centres, which began in 2016 and have now expanded to 29 across the State. These one-stop centres, he said, provide comprehensive support to child survivors of sexual violence. “This is not a celebration, but a renewed commitment to strengthen the child protection ecosystem,” he said.

Justice Sujoy Paul, Acting Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court and Patron-in-Chief of the Telangana State Legal Services Authority (TSLSA), expressed concern over the rising number of cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, pointing out that 98% of such crimes are committed by known persons, family members, neighbours or relatives. “Even small errors, like incorrect age documentation, can derail the pursuit of justice. Every actor, police, judiciary, medical officers, must act with precision and empathy,” he stressed.

UNICEF India Representative Cynthia McCaffrey said India’s children are not voiceless, but are often silenced by the very systems meant to protect them.

The speakers unanimously stressed that safeguarding children is a responsibility shared by institutions and citizens alike. The meet also called for expanding child-friendly courts, standardising medico-legal care and counselling, strengthening coordination among police, judiciary, CWCs and medical services, and developing measurable indicators for rehabilitation.

The two-day consultation will continue on Sunday (July 6) with technical sessions involving senior judges, police officials, prosecutors, psychologists, medical professionals and civil society leaders, aimed at shaping stronger child protection policies for both the State and the nation.