Goemakrponn desk
PANAJI: The Goa SCPCR, under its mandate to monitor the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 has made a recommendation to the law enforcement agencies, advocating for a reconsideration of the penal provisions applied to a mother who allegedly abandoned her one-and-a-half-month-old baby girl.
The baby, born prematurely and suffering from health complications, was found in an isolated area, sparking immediate legal action against the mother.
Peter F. Borges, the Hon’ble Chairperson of the GSCPCR, has emphasized the need for understanding and compassion, stating, “In facing the immense challenges of caring for a premature infant with health issues, the line between despair and hope can blur. We must recognize the extreme pressures that led to this unfortunate incident and approach it with empathy and a sincere desire to support, rather than penalize, the mother involved.”
The Commission believes that the mother’s actions were driven by overwhelming challenges and feelings of desperation, situations that many parents might find unfathomable unless faced with similar circumstances. With this understanding, the GSCPCR is recommending a reevaluation of the case under Section 75 of The Juvenile Justice Act 2015, which acknowledges that abandonment may occur due to situations beyond a parent’s control.
The recommendation seeks not only to address the immediate needs of the mother and child but also to initiate a broader conversation about the support systems available to parents in distress. The GSCPCR calls for a compassionate approach that prioritizes rehabilitation and the well-being of both the mother and the child, aiming to prevent such incidents in the future.
“We urge the authorities to consider the context in which these actions were taken and to respond with support and guidance. Our focus must remain on the well-being of the child and on providing the necessary resources to ensure a stable and nurturing environment,” Borges added.
The GSCPCR is committed to working closely with all stakeholders to enhance the support systems for families in crisis, advocating for policies that protect children while also considering the complex realities faced by parents.
