Bal Adalat

THE IDEALOGY

Bal Adalat, initiated by the Telangana State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, embodies a crucial response to the challenges faced by rural and tribal children in accessing justice in India. Fueled by a commitment to address awareness gaps and geographical barriers, this innovative approach, as suggested by Prof. Asha Bajpai, leverages non-formal dispute resolution mechanisms like Lok Adalaths. With taglines “reaching the unreached” and “justice at your doorstep,” Bal Adalat strives to make the justice system more tangible for rural and tribal children by conducting accessible sessions in selected districts, allowing children and their guardians to approach the Commission directly and circumvent lengthy legal processes.

PROCESS: Bal Adalath, a collaborative and child-friendly legal process, begins with official communication to the district collector, fostering awareness through an extensive campaign. The daylong session, involving TSCPCR and district officers, ensures prompt redressal of issues, instilling hope and breaking barriers. This impactful initiative not only unites diverse departments but also educates and guides the development of targeted schemes to address specific challenges faced by children in various districts.

Key Features of Bal Adalat

Child-Friendly Environment

Proceedings conducted in a non-formal, comfortable setting designed to reduce anxiety and fear in children.

Community Participation

Involvement of community members, social workers, and child welfare experts in the decision-making process.

Restorative Justice

Focus on rehabilitation, counseling, and reintegration rather than punishment for children in conflict with law.

Speedy Disposal

Expedited resolution of cases to minimize the impact of legal proceedings on the child's life and development.

Composition of Bal Adalat

Chairperson

Retired Judge or Senior Advocate with experience in child rights

Members

Social workers, child psychologists, and community representatives

Coordinator

Administrative support and case management specialist

Functions and Powers

  • Hearing cases of children in conflict with law
  • Determining appropriate interventions for rehabilitation
  • Ordering community service and counseling programs
  • Facilitating family mediation and reconciliation

  • Ensuring child-friendly procedures during hearings
  • Protecting children from secondary victimization
  • Maintaining confidentiality of proceedings
  • Ensuring legal representation for children

  • Counseling and psychological support services
  • Educational and vocational training programs
  • Family reunification and support services
  • Follow-up and monitoring of rehabilitation progress

Bal Adalat Process

1
Case Registration

Initial assessment and documentation of the case

2
Preliminary Inquiry

Social investigation and background assessment

3
Hearing Process

Child-friendly hearing with all stakeholders

4
Rehabilitation Plan

Implementation and monitoring of interventions

Contact Bal Adalat
Helpline:
1098
Email:
baladalat@tscpcr.telangana.gov.in
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Emergency Contact:
Available 24/7 for urgent cases
Legal Framework
  • Primary Acts:
    Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015
  • Constitutional Basis:
    Article 15(3), 21, 39(e), 39(f)
  • International:
    UN Convention on Rights of Child
  • State Guidelines:
    Telangana JJ Rules, 2016
Key Statistics

250+

Cases Resolved

85%

Success Rate

33

Districts Covered

24/7

Support Available