A Delhi government inquiry into a case of alleged denial of entry to a group of underprivileged children and a woman by a Connaught Place restaurant has concluded that the restaurant’s actions amounted to violation of human rights.
Delhi government officials said that action is likely to be taken against Shiv Sagar restaurant, which may include a heavy penalty or even cancellation of its licence.
Report
“As per the fact-finding report commissioned by the Delhi government in the case of the Shiv Sagar restaurant controversy, in which street kids were allegedly denied entry, there is an indication of violation of human rights. The report said it was evident that the children were denied food by the restaurant even as they were willing to pay for the same because they were ‘poor and dirty’,” the report stated.
The report added that the refusal clearly established discriminatory behaviour of the restaurant management and staff against the children on socio-economic basis.
“Such an act violates human rights and Fundamental Rights guaranteed by the Constitution and is against its spirit and essence,” the report concluded.
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had on June 12 ordered a probe in the incident.
A Sub-Divisional Magistrate later called the children to record their statements and also gathered CCTV footage to check the veracity of the claim.
“Pleased”
While the restaurant manager declined to comment, Dehradun resident Sonali Shetty, who had taken the children for a meal on the occasion of her husband’s birthday on June 11, said: “I am pleased that the government saw the truth and acknowledged it. I thank the eyewitness who stood by me and supported me. My voice would have been lost because the hotel owners are powerful and influential. I hope this is a lesson to all institutions to stop discriminatory policies.”
Currently in Dehradun, Ms. Shetty plans to come to Delhi soon to spend some time with the children. Both she and the hotel had filed police complaints against each other, said the police.
The woman had taken street kids to
the restaurant for her husband's birthday, was denied entry
