(1) On production of a child or receipt of the report under section 31, the Committee shall hold an inquiry in such manner as may be prescribed and the Committee, on its own or on the report from any person or organisation, may pass an order to send the child to the children's home or a fit facility or fit person, and for speedy social investigation by a social worker or Child Welfare Officer or child welfare police officer:
Provided that all children who are adequate capable shall be questioned in a child friendly atmosphere.
(2) The social investigation shall be completed within fifteen days in the prescribed manner.
(3) The Committee shall complete the inquiry within four months from the date of first production of the child:
Provided that the inquiry may be extended for a further period of two months for reasons to be recorded in writing.
Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 36
Section 36 of the Act mandates the social investigation of children brought before the Child Welfare Committee, requiring the submission of a comprehensive Social Investigation Report (SIR) within fifteen days.
In CWC proceedings, always request a certified copy of the Social Investigation Report: verify whether the Child Welfare Officer conducted an actual home visit and interviewed neighborhood references before the CWC decides on permanent institutional placement.