The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has found the Directorate of Women and Child Development (DWCD) guilty of violating basic human rights and the principles of natural justice for stopping the honorarium till the date of suspension of the member of the South Goa Child Welfare Committee (CWC) without a hearing. In an inquiry report, the GHRC has directed the DWCD Director to issue a show-cause notice, grant a personal hearing to the complainant, Junsa M. Mudras, and decide the matter in accordance with the law within 30 days.

​The case stems from a complaint filed by Junsa Mudras before the GHRC on August 25, 2026. She alleged that her honorarium had been withheld since May 2026 without any reason. After waiting four months, she and two other South Goa CWC members were abruptly suspended via email by the DWCD on allegations of procedural lapses, dereliction of duties, and issues regarding her conduct and decision-making power. Mudras contended that no inquiry was conducted and no opportunity to show cause was provided prior to the action.

​In its reply, the DWCD argued that CWC members are paid an honorarium under the Juvenile Justice Act and are required to hold sittings for a minimum of six hours a day for 20 days a month. The department claimed that Mudras and the two other members were irregular, citing discrepancies between their biometric attendance and the physical attendance register. It further stated that the members failed to attend a meeting called to resolve the issue, following which they were suspended and replaced by new members.

​While the Commission noted the variance between the physical and biometric attendance records, it held that the department's unilateral action was unlawful.

​"It is clear that neither show-cause was issued nor any opportunity is given to the Complainant before passing such orders, including stopping / non-payment of honorarium, till the date of suspension from the committee," the Commission observed, adding that a public authority is expected to act in accordance with the law.

​Under the Protection of Human Rights Act, the GHRC has forwarded the report to the DWCD Director, seeking comments and a report on the action taken or proposed to be taken on or before December 6, 2026.