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What changes with new Juvenile Justice law
Posted On Jan 03 2016
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She said the incidents of heinous crimes by juveniles of the age of 16 years and above were on the rise and cited statistics to support her contention.
The clamor to lower the age for trial gained momentum after the brutal gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old medical student in a bus by six drunk men, including a teenager, in December 2012.
The changes to the law will allow minors aged 16 onwards to be sentenced to at least seven years in young offenders’ institutions if convicted of “heinous crimes” including rape and murder.
Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi said on Tuesday the legislation aimed to strike a balance between the rights of a child and the need to deter heinous juvenile crimes, especially against women. She said the juvenile crime is the fastest rising segment of the crime and “You can not have a more comprehensive, nuanced and compassionate bill”.
Nirbhaya’s parents earlier on Tuesday met Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and urged early passage of the bill in parliament. CPI (M) MP Sitaram Yechury said emotions should not drive a law. “Now if a child of 15 of 14 years of age commits such crime, will the government again rush to amend the bill?” “If tomorrow you catch hold of a young ISIS terrorist, you will say bring down the age by another two years. JJ amendments finally passed in Parliament”.
Minors who are convicted as adults would stay in a reform home until they turn 21 then complete their sentences in a regular prison.
After the bill was passed yesterday, rape victim’s mother said, “I am satisfied, but sad that my daughter couldn’t get justice”. He said the role of society was equally important in reducing the frequency of such crimes. “I thank the media and all the MPs to help pass the bill”.
On Monday, India’s Supreme Court dismissed an appeal to stop his release, saying it “shared” the concern of most citizens but its hands were “tied” by the law. I am happy that such a bill got passed which can secure the future.
