Explain Juvenile Justice in India.
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Juvenile justice in India is governed by the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which replaced the earlier Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000. The primary objective of the legislation is to provide for the care, protection, treatment, and rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law and children in need of care and protection.
The Act defines a "juvenile" as a person who has not completed eighteen years of age, emphasizing the special treatment and protection afforded to children under the age of eighteen. It establishes Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) at the district level to handle cases involving juveniles in conflict with the law. These boards are responsible for determining the best course of action for the rehabilitation and reintegration of juvenile offenders, with an emphasis on diversionary measures and reformative approaches rather than punitive measures.
The Act outlines the procedures for the inquiry and adjudication of cases involving juvenile offenders, emphasizing the principles of child-friendly justice, confidentiality, and protection of the child's rights throughout the legal process. It also provides for the establishment of observation homes and special homes to ensure the care, protection, and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders, with a focus on their educational, vocational, and psychological needs.
Furthermore, the Act mandates the establishment of Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) at the district level to address issues related to children in need of care and protection, including orphaned, abandoned, or neglected children. These committees are tasked with ensuring the welfare and well-being of vulnerable children and providing them with appropriate care, support, and services.
Overall, the Juvenile Justice Act in India reflects a child-centric approach to justice, emphasizing the protection of children's rights, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society. It underscores the importance of addressing the underlying factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency while ensuring that children in conflict with the law are treated with dignity, fairness, and compassion.