Mumbai: Observing that the scheme for child-friendly legal services already exists, Bombay high court on Thursday disposed of a public interest litigation (PIL) that sought framing of guidelines for a child legal assistance programme in Maharashtra.Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne heard the PIL by advocate Shraddha Dalvi who sought permission for children to appoint independent advocates in custodial battles between parents and in Pocso cases involving male relatives. The petition, filed through advocate Ashley Cusher, stated that children are “silent sufferers” and the “most unheard and unrepresented parties in matrimonial proceedings”. Under the Legal Services Authorities Act, a child is entitled to free legal aid. The Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority’s March 23 reply stated that the scheme came into operation in Sept 2024 and legal service units (LSU) have been set up in all districts. “If a child in need of legal services concerning custody, guardianship or maintenance is referred to LSUs by the family court, the child will be provided necessary legal services,” said the authority, adding that till date, family courts have not referred even a single case to it. In view of the authority’s stand, the judges said “no further orders are required to be passed in the PIL”. tnn