New Delhi, May 26 (PTI) The Supreme Court has permitted the Maharashtra government to submit a proposal to start 20 open shelters under the Child Protection Services (CPS) scheme for the 2022-2023 financial year to provide community-based facilities to Children in Street Situations (CiSS).

A bench headed by Justice L Nageswara Rao said in addition to the request for approval under the CPS scheme, the state of Maharashtra shall also make an application to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for approval for starting the open shelters.

The apex court also directed the Union of India to take a decision and grant its approval within a period of two months from the date of receipt of the application.