Saroj Yadav, and 36 Others vs Union of India Thru. Secy. Ministry of Women and Child Development New Delhi and 20 Others

"1. Heard learned counsel for the petitioners, Shri Sudhir Kumar Singh, learned Standing Counsel for the respondent nos. 2 to 4 and Shri Anand Dwivedi, learned counsel appearing for Union of India.

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This petition has been filed seeking following prayers.

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"(i) To issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of certiorari quashing the letter dated 14.10.2025 of Director (Anneuxre-11 to this writ petition) to the extent it observes that there is no justification for release of grant of year 2023-24 and 2024-25 of the FCCs, after summoning the record.

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(ii) To issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of certiorari quashing the letter dated 14.10.2025 of Director (Annexure-11) to the extent it observe that there is no need to merge FCCs in OSC, after summoning the record.

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(iii) To issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of mandamus directing opposite party nos. 2, 3 and 4 to forward inspection report of FCCs of the State to opposite part no. 1.

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(iv) To issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of mandamus directing opposite party no. 1 to release grant of year 2023-24 and 2024-25 to the n.g.os., where petitioner no. 1 to 37 are working.

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(v) To issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of mandamus commanding opposite party no. 1 to 4 to merge FCCs in which petitioners no. 1 to 37 are working, in OSCs."

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Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that a scheme was floated by the Government of India through Central Social Welfare Board, New Delhi for establishing Family Counseling Centre in every State of the country. The said Counseling Centers are being run in Uttar Pradesh through U.P. State Social Welfare Board. It is further submitted that petitioners were appointed as

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WRIA No. 3348 of 2026

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2

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Counselor by different NGOs, arrayed as respondent nos. 5 to 21 and were allowed to work through their respective NGO. Drawing the attention of the Court towards Annexure 1 to the petition, learned counsel for the petitioners submits that Secretary of respondent no. 10-NGO received a letter dated 01.09.2023 from the Secretary, U.P. State Social Welfare Board, by which, it is informed that Rs.3,20,000/- has been granted by the Central Social Welfare Board, New Delhi, which included the salary of the petitioners working in the said NGO. Submission of the learned counsel for the petitioners is that in anticipation of budget from the Central Social Welfare Board, New Delhi as well as U.P. State Social Welfare Board, respondent nos. 5 to 21 allowed the petitioners to work, however, since the budget is not being provided by the Central Social Welfare Board, New Delhi as well as U.P. State Social Welfare Board from financial year 2023-24, the petitioners are not being paid their salary.

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List this case on 20.04.2026 at 11.30 a.m.

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On the next date, respondent no. 4- Director, Women Welfare, Government of U.P., Lucknow shall file comprehensive instructions in relation to the work of petitioners. He shall also explain that whether the grant was sanctioned in respect of respondent no. 10-NGO, failing which, he shall appear before this Court.

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Director, Department of Social Welfare U.P. shall also assist the Court through virtual mode on the next date that whether any further project was submitted by the NGOs to the State Government as well as Government of India, or not."

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In pursuance of the aforesaid order, Dr. Vandana Verma, Director, Women Welfare, Government of U.P., Lucknow is connected through video conferencing and informs that all the Family Counseling Centres have already been closed due to working of One Stop Centres. It is also informed that the State Government is not taking the services of Family Counseling Centers.

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It is submitted by the learned counsel for the petitioners that earlier a report was sought by Deputy Director, Women Welfare, Government of U.P. from all the District Probation Officers regarding the mapping of Family Counseling Centers, which was furnished also by the respective Probation Officers accepting the working of the petitioners. Submission of the learned counsel for the petitioners is that the salary of the petitioners is not being paid, since the State Government is not forwarding the bills to the Central Government.

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Shri Anand Dwivedi, learned counsel appearing for Central

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WRIA No. 3348 of 2026

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3

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Government prays for some time to place the correct facts before this Court.

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Issue notice to respondent nos. 5 to 21.

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List this case on 26.05.2026 within top 10 cases.

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In the meantime, Director, Women Welfare, U.P., Lucknow is directed to file para-wise reply to the writ petition.

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On the next date, Shri Anand Dwivedi shall also place comprehensive written instructions duly signed by a competent authority of Union of India.

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(Rajeev Singh,J.)

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April 20, 2026

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VKS

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Digitally signed by :- VIVEK KUMAR SRIVASTAVA High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, Lucknow Bench

Saroj Yadav, and 36 Others v. Union of India Thru. Secy. Ministry of Women and Child Development New Delhi and 20 Others

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Saroj Yadav, and 36 Others v. Union of India Thru. Secy. Ministry of Women and Child Development New Delhi and 20 Others

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