FAILURE BY THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE SHELTER TO HOMELESS PEOPLE IS A VIOLATION OF ARTICLE 21

24th March 2021

The Karnataka HC heard a petition by NGO - People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) seeking implementation of state government order dated May 29 2014, concerning urban homeless shelters.

The counsel for the petitioner submitted that as per the guidelines issued by the Central Government; mandate that community centres should accommodate at least 100 persons each. At the same time, there are only 40-47 functional community centres in Karnataka with a capacity of 50-60 persons each. Moreover, there are not special shelters/centres for children, Trans and disabled people as per the scheme.

The Division bench stated that failure by the state government to provide shelter to homeless people is a violation of Article 21 of the constitution, and it impinges upon their right to live a dignified life. The bench further directed the State government to place a record of the Survey of Urban homeless carried out in the State, and once it's completed, the government can take an applicable call on the number of shelters required.

The matter will be next heard on 26th May.

Author: Papiha Ghoshal