CHENNAI: Citing the Tokyo model of rehabilitating beggars, a PIL wants Madras high court to direct the civic and police authorities to remove beggars from streets and road-junctions, and ensure that they never return to the spot.

In this regard, advocate and PIL-petitioner K Ezhil Murugan of Villupuram district highlighted abuse of children and disabled people by organised begging rackets to illegally enrich themselves.

The first bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Satish K Agnihotri and Justice K K Sasidharan, admitting the PIL of Murugan, issued notices to the chief secretary, director-general of police and the state commissioner for disabled.

In his affidavit, Murugan cited the case of a totally disabled and crippled beggar who 'somehow' reaches a spot opposite the high court daily to ‘earn’ Rs 500 a day. Since he cannot walk or even crawl, how he reaches his ‘work spot’ is a mystery, and where does the money ‘earned’ by him go too is a mystery.

He said several children were being forced into begging by organised gangs at busy traffic junctions. Though it happens right under the nose of police personnel, no action is taken against those abusing children in this manner, it said, adding, “beggars are carrying on their activities as police turn a blind eye to such illegal and immoral deeds.”

Tokyo is today a beggar-free city because the moment a beggar is spotted on road, he is promptly removed and rehabilitated, never to be found on Tokyo streets, the PIL said.

Though a bench headed by Justice F M Ibrahim Kalifulla (since elevated as judge of the Supreme Court) delivered a judgment ordering a socio-economic survey of beggars within a year, besides construction of at least 25 homes meant to house beggars in different parts of the city, the authorities have not complied with the verdict so far, Murugan said.

Quoting extensively from Tamil Nadu Prevention of Begging Act, 1945, he said the prohibited act of begging included even earning a livelihood by displaying skills and talents by street artists and performers. It also bans soliciting or receiving alms in a public place by singing, dancing, performing tricks and selling articles.

The PIL wanted the court to direct the authorities to implement the provisions of the Act by banning the prohibited activities on streets and roads.

