The bench also asked the state what safety measures were being taken to protect children in such institutions.

Mumbai: Expressing concern over growing instances of sexual assault against minor children in schools and shelter homes, Bombay high court on Tuesday asked the state government to enlist steps taken by it to protect children. The court expressed shock at the fact that one of the accused had been let off on bail and asked the investigating officer to be present in court.

A division bench of Justice V.M. Kanade and Justice A.S. Gadkari was hearing a PIL filed by activist Aparna Dubey on instances of sexual assault on disabled minors in a Pune school by staff. The petition alleged that despite the accused being charged under serious sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the cops allowed an accused to be released on bail.

“How was the accused granted bail and have the guidelines and safeguards under POCSO act been followed by the investigating officers? Investigation and trial of the case should be conducted in a child-friendly atmosphere,” ruled Justice Kanade.

The bench also asked the state what safety measures were being taken to protect children in such institutions.