Thaindian News

New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) Expressing satisfaction with measures taken to curb begging in the capital, Delhi High Court Thursday said the Delhi government was working hard to fight this social challenge.
A division bench comprising of Chief Justice Ajit Prakash Shah and Justice Manmohan said: “The government has shown positive attitude in fighting this social challenge of begging. It’s a good sign.”

The court further asked the additional solicitor general to assist the court in the matter and slated the next hearing for Oct 29.

The court was hearing a public interest petition filed by noted social activist Harsh Mander who contended poverty can never be a crime.

“If a person is destitute and begs for living, such a person cannot be treated as a criminal. He cannot be arrested or sentenced,” the petitioner said while referring to the plight of a destitute who was jailed and sentenced for begging.

The petition also challenged the constitutional validity of the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act.

The bench also informed the petitioner’s counsel that the government has scrutinised four sections from the act, while admitted were outdated and was ready to amend them.

Mander’s counsel informed the court about the US method of tackling the menace, and noted that is that country, the beggars are constitutionally protected and provided all basic facilities needed to live.

Citing Delhi’s example where beggars were allegedly living in the worst conditions, the counsel said the beggars’ homes were in a bad condition and the government was paying only Rs.75 a day for their food and clothing, which is not sufficient. “Moreover, the inhumane conditions in the homes forces beggars not to stay there,” the counsel added.

The court took note of the findings of the petitioner’s counsel and asked him and Delhi government officials to file written submissions within four weeks time.