Supreme Court of India in M.S. Patter vs. State of NCT of Delhi & Ors., SLP(C) 878 of 2004 issued following directions on 12th September 2025 to all States and Union Territories in order to ensure humane conditions and dignity of life inside Beggars’ Homes and analogous institutions-
"23. At the same time, we are of the considered view that the progress achieved should not remain confined to the Homes that were subject to scrutiny in the present case, but must extend to all Homes under the Government of NCT of Delhi. Moreover, all States and Union Territories are required to institutionalise similar reforms in Beggars’ Homes and analogous institutions under their control, so that the constitutional guarantee of life with dignity is meaningfully secured for this most vulnerable section of society. As already
emphasised, Beggars’ Homes require a paradigm shift – from being perceived as instruments of social control to being recognised as spaces of social justice.
The failure to ensure humane conditions in such Homes does not merely amount to maladministration; it constitutes a constitutional breach of the fundamental right to life with dignity. Accordingly, we deem it appropriate to issue the
following directions, in respect of all Beggars’ Homes across the country, including the subject institutions to ensure that the improved conditions are continuously maintained.
I. Preventive Healthcare and Sanitation
(1) Every individual admitted to a Beggars’ Home shall mandatorily undergo a medical screening by a qualified medical officer within 24 hours of admission.
(2) Monthly health check-ups shall be conducted for all inmates by a designated medical team.
(3) A disease surveillance and early warning system shall be established in all Beggars’ Homes, with special protocols for the prevention, detection, and containment of communicable and waterborne diseases.
(4) All State Governments / UTs shall frame, notify, and strictly enforce minimum hygiene and sanitation standards in Beggars’ Homes, which shall mandatorily include:
(a) continuous access to potable drinking water
(b) functional toilets with proper drainage systems; and
(c) regular pest control and vector management measures.
II. Infrastructure and capacity
(5) All State Governments / UTs shall conduct an independent third-party infrastructure audit of every Beggars’ Home within their jurisdiction at least once every two years.
(6) Occupancy in each Beggars’ Home shall not exceed its sanctioned capacity, so as to prevent overcrowding and the spread of communicable diseases.
(7) Adequate provision shall be made for safe housing, ventilation, and access to open spaces, consistent with human dignity.
III. Nutrition and Food Safety
(8) Every Beggars’ Home shall appoint, or designate from an associated Government Hospital, a qualified Dietician to regularly verify the quality and nutritional standards of food served to inmates.
(9) Standardised dietary protocols shall be framed, ensuring nutritional adequacy.
IV. Vocational Training and Rehabilitation
(10) All Beggars’ Homes shall establish or expand vocational training facilities aimed at skill development and economic self-reliance of inmates.
(11) The State Governments / UTs shall explore partnerships with governmental agencies, NGOs, and private institutions to introduce diverse trades and employment-oriented training programmes.
(12) Periodic assessments shall be conducted to monitor the
effectiveness of rehabilitation initiatives and to facilitate the reintegration of released inmates into society.
V. Legal Aid and Awareness
(13) Inmates shall be informed in a language they understand, of their legal rights, including the right to contest detention orders.
(14) State Legal Services Authorities shall designate panel lawyers to visit Beggars’ Homes at least once every three months, to provide free legal assistance and facilitate access to bail, release, or appeal remedies.
VI. Child and Gender Sensitivity
(15) Where women or children are housed in such Homes, the States / UTs shall provide separate facilities ensuring privacy, safety, and access to child care, education, and counselling.
(16) Children found begging shall not be detained in Beggars’ Homes but referred to child welfare institutions under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
VII. Accountability and Oversight
(17) Every State / UT shall constitute a Monitoring Committee for Beggars’ Homes, comprising officials from the Social Welfare Department, Public Health authorities, and independent civil society members, to:
(a) prepare and publish annual reports on the condition of Beggars’ Homes; and
(b) maintain accurate records of illnesses, deaths, and remedial actions taken.
(18) In every case where the death of an inmate is attributed to negligence, lack of basic facilities, or failure to provide timely medical care:
(a) the State / UT shall pay reasonable compensation to the next of kin of the deceased; and
(b)initiate departmental and, where warranted, criminal proceedings against the officials found responsible.
VIII. Implementation and Compliance
(19) State Governments / UTs shall maintain a centralised digital database of all inmates, recording details of admission, health, training, release, and follow-up.
(20) The above directions shall be implemented within six months from the date of this judgment,
23.1. The Union of India, through the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, shall, within three months, frame and notify model guidelines to facilitate uniform implementation of the aforesaid directions across all States and Union Territories.
23.2. The Registrar (Judicial) shall circulate a copy of this judgment to the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories as well as to the Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, for strict
compliance.
23.3. Liberty is reserved to the parties to seek further directions, should any difficulty arise in the course of implementation."