Child Rights – Delhi Child Commission Remains Without Chairperson for Three Years
Child Rights – Delhi child protection oversight remains stalled as the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights completes three years without a chairperson, raising continuing concerns over its ability to address complaints and conduct statutory inquiries.
The commission’s office at Kashmere Gate showed few signs of regular public-facing activity on July 2. With no chairperson in place since July 2023, the institution meant to safeguard children’s rights has faced a prolonged leadership vacuum, even as the issue remains under scrutiny before the Delhi High Court.
Office premises reflect prolonged inactivity
A visit to the DCPCR office presented a picture of an organisation operating with limited resources and staff. A dim corridor with marked walls led towards a section filled with unused boards, damaged furniture and other discarded material.
Loose electrical wires were visible overhead, while signs directing visitors to facilities such as drinking water remained in place despite the generally neglected appearance of the premises. The condition of the office has added to concerns about the functioning of a statutory body responsible for protecting children and responding to rights-related grievances.
Children’s Corner remains unused
One of the rooms inside the office, marked as the Children’s Corner, was designed with colourful paintings of birds, trees and animals. The space appears to have been created to make young visitors feel more comfortable during interactions with the commission.
However, the room was empty during the visit. Sofas and toys were unused, and dust had settled on the glass table. The contrast between the bright wall artwork and the lack of activity highlighted the absence of regular engagement with children and families at the office.
The notice board in the premises also carried only four photographs, including one that was nearly five years old. There were few visible updates indicating recent programmes, hearings or outreach work by the commission.
Limited staff leaves several rooms locked
Several rooms allocated to the DCPCR on the fifth floor were locked. According to an employee present in the administrative section, the rooms were not being used because the department had only around 10 to 11 staff members working at the time.
The limited workforce has affected day-to-day operations, with much of the office space remaining inaccessible or inactive. A statutory commission such as the DCPCR is expected to examine complaints, recommend action to government departments and monitor issues involving child welfare, education, protection and safety.
Chairperson post vacant since July 2023
The chairperson’s position has remained unfilled since July 2, 2023, when the tenure of former chairperson Anurag Kundu ended. No successor has been appointed in the three years since then.
The vacancy has drawn attention during repeated proceedings before the Delhi High Court. The court has raised questions over the delay, while reports have continued to point to the impact of the vacant post on the commission’s work.
Without a chairperson, the commission’s capacity to take cognisance of complaints, launch inquiries and coordinate with government agencies has remained restricted. The absence of a full leadership structure can also delay intervention in cases involving children who require urgent protection or support.
Government seeks more time in court proceedings
During a hearing in April 2026, the Delhi government sought additional time to appoint a chairperson for the commission. More than 20 hearings have reportedly taken place on the issue so far.
A further hearing is expected on July 3. The matter is likely to remain focused on when the government will complete the appointment process and restore the commission’s full functioning.