SC Guidelines on Homeless Shelters

PUCL vs. Union of India & Others (Writ Petition (Civil) No. 196 of 2001)

These guidelines aimed to protect the right to life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution for the urban homeless population.

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Key Directives of the 2010 SC Guidelines on Homeless Shelters

1. Shelter Norms per Population

• 1 permanent shelter for every 1 lakh urban population

• Each shelter must have a minimum capacity of 100 people

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2. Essential Facilities in Each Shelter

Every night shelter must include:

• Mattresses, blankets, and pillows

• Fans or appropriate ventilation

• Drinking water

• Functional toilets and bathrooms

• First aid and basic health services

• Storage space for belongings

• Provision for separate shelters or areas for women, elderly, disabled, and families

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3. Location of Shelters

• Shelters should be geographically spread and located near places of work (e.g., markets, railway stations, construction sites)

• Must be accessible via public transport

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4. Round-the-Year Functioning

• Shelters must be operational 24/7, year-round, not just during winter months

• They must also provide day-time facilities such as rest areas, recreation, and skill development

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5. Inclusive Access

• No discrimination based on gender, caste, religion, age, mental health, or substance addiction

• Entry should not require identity documents, as many homeless people lack them

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6. Health, Counseling, and Welfare Support

• Regular medical check-ups and tie-ups with nearby hospitals

• Counseling services for mentally ill or traumatized individuals

• Linkage with welfare schemes, Aadhaar enrolment, and employment support

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7. Community Participation and Monitoring

• Involve local communities, NGOs, and residents in management

• Social audit mechanisms to ensure transparency and regular feedback

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8. Role of State Governments and Local Bodies

• Prepare a Shelter Policy and conduct surveys to identify homeless populations

• Allocate adequate budgetary resources and land

• Ensure shelters are included in city planning and master plans

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9. Monitoring by Supreme Court Commissioners

• Court-appointed commissioners were tasked with monitoring the progress and reporting compliance by states and UTs

• Non-compliance could lead to contempt proceedings

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UPSC Use Case

In GS Paper II or an essay, you can quote:

“In 2010, the Supreme Court mandated 1 shelter per 1 lakh urban population with essential facilities. However, many cities — like Visakhapatnam with only 350 beds — continue to violate this directive, reflecting a policy-implementation gap.”