The Allahabad High Court has recently formed a team of young lawyers to collect information about homeless individuals within Lucknow’s municipal limits. This team, composed of lawyers Raj Kumar Singh, Shailendra Singh Rajawat, Jitendra Narain Mishra, Vikas Kumar Agrawal, Rani Singh, and Shreya Agarwal, was constituted by a division bench comprising Justice Rajan Roy and Justice Om Prakash Shukla. The lawyers have been instructed to accompany the petitioner, advocate Jyoti Rajpoot, to areas in Lucknow where homeless individuals are reported to be found.
The court emphasized the need for firsthand information regarding the situation of homeless persons who are loitering or sleeping on the streets without care, as mentioned in a prior order dated July 11, 2024. The team is expected to submit their findings by the next hearing, scheduled for September 30, 2024.
This move is part of a broader effort by the court to address homelessness across the state. In an earlier hearing, the court had ordered a statewide initiative to identify homeless individuals and ensure they receive necessary assistance, including shelter and healthcare.
The case stems from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Jyoti Rajpoot, seeking the rehabilitation of homeless persons under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, the Mental Healthcare Act, and the Central government’s Shelters for Urban Homeless scheme.
During the previous hearing, the court reviewed existing legislation and noted that while some mechanisms are in place, they are insufficient for able-bodied homeless individuals. The court recognized that although state authorities have made some efforts, they have not fully complied with the required actions.
In response to this, the court has now directed the team of young lawyers to gather more detailed information. The report they prepare will be handed over to Additional Chief Standing Counsel Isha Mitta, who has been instructed to immediately forward it to the relevant officials for necessary action. Additionally, the court has ordered that an affidavit of compliance be filed before the next hearing, along with the required affidavits in response to the earlier order from July 11, 2024.
Advocate Jyoti Rajpoot appeared in person, while advocates Isha Mitta and Nishant Shukla represented the state authorities in the case.
