Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights


The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights a Karnataka Governmental commission, established on 3 July 2009 by the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005 and thus is a statutory body. Its objective is "to protect, promote and defend child rights" in Karnataka. KSCPCR is the sixth such commission in the country. As defined by the commission, child includes those up to the age of 18 years.
The Commission's role is to review and examine the safeguards meant for the protection of child rights and its effective implementations by recommending measures. Petitions related to the violation of child rights are heard by the commission which functions as a civil court. The complaints relating to right to education are also enquired as per its mandate. The chairperson of the commission was Dr. Kripa Amar Alva.

Functions

The Commission's functions as mentioned in the Act are as follows:
1. The Commission can perform following functions, namely;
2. Places where children are lodged or detained for treatment, reformation or protection such as juvenile home or any place of residence for children can be inspected or asked to be inspected by the commission and remedial action, if needed can be requested.

Powers of the Commission

The Commission has all powers of the Civil Court while enquiring a case. Some of the major power are to Summon individuals, discovery and production of documents, receiving evidence on Affidavits, requesting any Public record from courts, Issuing commissions for witnesses or documents examination and to forward cases to Magistrates to try cases which falls in their jurisdiction.
After completing the inquiry in a case the below actions can be taken.
  1. To recommend the Government for prosecution or necessary action on any violation.
  2. To approach the High Court or the Supreme Court for necessary orders, directions or writs.
  3. To recommend the Government or authority to provide required relief to the victim or his family members.

    Children's Courts

To provide speedy trial of cases related to children the State Government will set up Children's courts and provide all the necessary personnel and infrastructure for conducting the cases.