Govt to Go Ahead With Law Treating Juveniles As Adults In Grave Crimes

Rejecting the recommendations of a parliamentary committee which disapproved of treating juveniles accused of heinous offences as adults, the Central Government has decided to go ahead with the new law that allows 16 to 18 year olds guilty of grave offences to face trial as adults. The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) of Children Bill, 2015 with minor changes suggested by the panel has now been sent to the Law Ministry for vetting

The new Juvenile Justice Act seeks to replace the 2000 Act in which the maximum punishment offenders can get is three years in a child remand home. Once convicted for a heinous crime, the child will be lodged in a place of safety until he turns 21. At 21, he will be examined for reformation. Only if there's evidence that he hasn't reformed will he go to an adult jail. The new law also bars death penalty for children

By: Vishal