The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of a complaint filed by NGO watchdog Legal Rights Protection Forum alleging serious violations at St. Anthony’s Orphanage in Adoni, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, and has directed multiple authorities to conduct an inquiry and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks.
Notice Issued To MHA, District Administration And Police
The NHRC has issued notices under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, to the Joint Secretary of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Wing under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the District Magistrate of Kurnool, and the Superintendent of Police, Kurnool.
The Commission has directed the authorities to inquire into the allegations made in the complaint and submit an Action Taken Report within two weeks. It has also instructed that a copy of the report be sent to the Bench of the Commission.
Complaint Alleges Orphanage Operating Without Mandatory Approval
According to the complaint by LRPF, St. Anthony’s Orphanage in Adoni has allegedly been operating child care institutions without obtaining the statutory approval required under the Juvenile Justice Act.
The complainant alleged that despite not being listed as a registered Child Care Institution under the Juvenile Justice framework, the orphanage publicly presents itself as providing orphan welfare services and reportedly operates separate residential facilities for boys and girls.
The complaint further alleges that the institution has received substantial foreign contributions under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and claims there are financial links between the orphanage and other NGOs connected to the Diocese.
The complainant has raised concerns regarding the safety and welfare of children housed at the institution, the alleged misuse of foreign contributions, and possible violations of statutory child protection laws. The complaint sought an urgent inquiry and inspection by the competent authorities.
NHRC Finds Prima Facie Human Rights Concerns
After examining the complaint, the NHRC observed that the allegations, on their face, appear to involve potential violations of the human rights of the affected children.
The matter was placed before a Bench of the Commission presided over by NHRC Member Shri Priyank Kanoongo, who took cognisance of the complaint under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
The Commission has now called upon the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Kurnool district administration and the district police to investigate the allegations and report back within the stipulated two-week period.
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