The High Court has stepped in to safeguard the mental well‘being of four children who were reportedly rescued by Mapusa police after being found begging in the Mapusa market. The children have been kept in state custody, away from their families, for over a month.
Hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed by Advocate Moses Pinto, the High Court noted that the children are "highly traumatized" and suffering severe stress. The four children have been housed at Apna Ghar and other child-care institutions since May 13, 2026. According to a legal-aid report submitted to the court, the children have not been permitted to meet or interact with their parents or families during this entire period.
A report compiled by legal-aid counsel revealed that the children are so deeply affected that they are currently refusing to interact with anyone. Communication with them has proved extremely difficult, further isolating them in state custody. The High Court pointed out that under the Juvenile Justice Rules, the Child Welfare Committee is legally mandated to prepare a rehabilitation and family-reintegration plan within 24 hours of a child being produced before it.
Noting that Apna Ghar currently operates with just one available psychologist, the High Court immediately appointed Dr. Anuradha Kakodkar, a retired professor of psychology from St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa. Dr. Kakodkar has volunteered to act as child counselor to supervise interactions between the children and their families.
The High Court observed, "Under these circumstances, we are compelled to appoint a child psychologist for the purpose of interviewing these children and supervising interaction with their parents, families or members of their community... with a view to complete the children's reintegration." The High Court directed that the first counseling and interaction session begin immediately. To ensure a neutral and smooth environment, the court ordered the Principal District Judge of North Goa to provide the Mediation Centre facilities at the District Court premises in Merces for these sessions.
The CWC is directed to safely transport the children from the child-care institutions to the court premises and to provide full assistance to the psychologist. Dr. Kakodkar will submit her assessment and observation reports of the family interactions to the High Court in a sealed cover. The matter is listed for hearing on July 6, 2026, and the court granted the parents liberty to approach the court earlier if any urgency arises.
