Empowered Justice: Andhra Pradesh HC Orders Government to Extend APSCPCR Members’ Tenure for a Seamless Transition!
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has issued a directive to the Secretary of the Women Development and Child Welfare (WD&CW) Department to address the requests for tenure extension made by the Chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR), Kesali Appa Rao, and its members. This decision follows a writ petition filed by Appa Rao, along with colleagues T. Adi Lakshmi, G. Seetaram, and J. Rajendra Prasad.
Counsel for the petitioners, T.V.V. Koteswara Rao, revealed that the court has given the WD&CW Secretary a two-week timeframe to issue a resolution regarding the extension. The current Commission’s term had officially concluded in April 2025, prompting the Chairperson and members to appeal for an extension until a new body is appointed.
Despite their petitions submitted in March and April 2025, the requests for extension remained unaddressed by the government, leading the petitioners to seek judicial intervention. “The representations made by Mr. Appa Rao and the Commission members were overlooked, resulting in this legal action,” Koteswara Rao explained to The Hindu.
On September 4, 2025, the WD&CW Department announced a notification regarding the appointment of a new APSCPCR, indicating that changes are forthcoming. However, until that new Commission is formed, the High Court’s ruling emphasizes the importance of continuity in protecting child rights in the state.
This development underscores the ongoing challenges faced by child protection advocates in Andhra Pradesh, highlighting the critical role of the APSCPCR in addressing the needs and rights of children in the region. The swift response from the High Court signals an acknowledgment of these challenges, ensuring that there is no gap in oversight during the transition to a new Commission.
As the situation evolves, all eyes will be on the WD&CW Secretary to see if the extension requests will be granted, ensuring that the important work of the Commission continues uninterrupted. This case reflects broader concerns regarding child welfare and the efficiency of governmental processes in addressing urgent social issues.
The court’s directive serves not only to facilitate the organizational continuity of the APSCPCR but also reaffirms the state’s commitment to child rights, an area requiring constant vigilance and advocacy. With the appointment of a new Commission on the horizon, stakeholders will be keen to see how the transition unfolds and what new initiatives will be introduced to enhance child protection in Andhra Pradesh.
This pivotal moment represents not just a legal decision, but a broader commitment to safeguarding the interests of vulnerable children across the state. As the state gears up for a new chapter in child rights advocacy, the dedication of the APSCPCR members remains commendable and vital.
Published – September 14, 2025 08:05 am IST.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/andhra-pradesh-hc-directs-govt-to-extend-tenure-of-apscpcr-members-till-new-body-is-formed/article70046307.ece
Category : Vijayawada
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Publish Date: 2025-09-14 08:05:00
