- In May 2024, a speeding car driven by a teenager killed two young techies in Pune.
- The Bombay High Court directed the release of the accused teenager, citing due procedure under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
| The Beijing Rules United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice. Member States should enhance juvenile and family well-being, fostering community-based development and education free from crime. Emphasize positive measures involving family, volunteers, and community groups to minimize legal intervention and ensure fair, humane treatment. |
- The Juvenile Justice Act allows adolescents above 16 to be tried as adults for “heinous” offences (minimum punishment of seven years or more).
- Drunken driving-related offences like culpable homicide and causing death by negligence are not classified as “heinous” as they lack a minimum punishment.
- The Juvenile Justice Board conducts preliminary assessments for adolescents accused of “heinous” offences to decide if they should be tried as adults.
- The 2021 amendment categorises offences with no minimum sentence but a maximum of more than seven years as “serious,” not warranting transfer to the adult criminal justice system.
- Juvenile Justice Board
- The Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), established under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 in India, addresses cases involving juveniles (under 18 years) who commit offences.
- Comprising a Metropolitan or Judicial Magistrate and two social workers, including a woman.
- It follows a child-centric, non-penal approach, emphasizing education, vocational training, and counselling.
- Juveniles have the right to legal representation, and probation or child welfare officers assist in their rehabilitation.
- It maintains confidential records to protect juveniles’ identities.
- Collaboration with NGOs and Child Welfare Committees.
Dig Deeper: What are children in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection?
