New Delhi, October 10: The Supreme Court’s Juvenile Justice Committee is set to host a two-day National Annual Stakeholders Consultation on “Safeguarding the Girl Child: Towards a Safer and Enabling Environment for Her in India” on October 11–12, 2025. The event aims to bring together key voices from the judiciary, government, and civil society to strengthen the protection and empowerment of girls across the country.
This year’s consultation, organized in partnership with UNICEF India, aligns with the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11. The theme reflects an ongoing national concern-how to make India a safer and more inclusive place for every girl to grow, learn, and thrive.
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The consultation will be led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna, Chairperson of the Juvenile Justice Committee, and Justice J.B. Pardiwala, Committee Member-both sitting judges of the Supreme Court of India. The Chief Justice of India, Justice Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai, will deliver the inaugural address.
Also expected to speak during the opening session are Annpurna Devi, Minister for Women and Child Development, and Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF India’s Country Representative. A highlight of the event will be the release of a “Handbook on Child Rights and the Law” by Justice Pardiwala.
Over the two days, participants will deliberate on a series of pressing issues—from violence against girls and cybercrimes, to child trafficking, child marriage, and access to education and healthcare. The first session will explore the “Right to be Born, Nurtured, and Educated”, followed by discussions on “Safeguarding the Girl Child from Cyber Crimes” and “Protection from Abuse, Exploitation, and Violence.”
Sessions will also showcase best practices from various states, including innovative interventions against trafficking and early marriage. On October 12, a dedicated panel will examine the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, focusing on how to make its enforcement faster and more survivor-friendly.
Among the attendees will be High Court judges, Juvenile Justice and POCSO Committee members, senior police officials, and representatives from State Legal Services Authorities. Departments dealing with Women & Child Development, Health, and Education from every state and union territory are also expected to participate.
The concluding session will see engagement from Secretaries of the Ministries of Women and Child Development, Health, and Education, as they chart the “way forward” for national collaboration on child protection.
Past consultations have resulted in meaningful policy outcomes. The 2024 conference emphasized protection for children with disabilities, while the 2023 meet focused on children in conflict with the law—both leading to improved monitoring and state-level reforms.
Speaking about this year’s focus, an official from the Supreme Court’s Juvenile Justice Committee said, “Safeguarding girls isn’t only a legal duty-it’s a collective moral responsibility. This consultation reminds us that every girl’s safety and education are the cornerstones of India’s progress.”
By hosting this annual dialogue, the Supreme Court reaffirms that justice isn’t confined to courtrooms-it extends to every corner where a child deserves safety, dignity, and opportunity.
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The event can be viewed live at:
Court’s Decision/Order:
The Supreme Court’s Juvenile Justice Committee formally announced the organization of the 10th National Stakeholders Consultation, reiterating its commitment to building a safer and more enabling environment for every girl child in India.
