Juvenile Justice Act Draft: No Handcuffs, Jail For Minor Outlaws

The new rules include proper legal and medical aid for juveniles in conflict with law.

The rules that were released by Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi. (Photo: Reuters)

• No child between 16 and 18 years of age in conflict with law will be handcuffed or sent to jail or lock-up, according to the draft rules of Juvenile Justice Act 2015 that was released on 25 May.
  
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• The rules that were released by Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi prescribe detailed child friendly procedures for police, Juvenile Justice Board and Children’s court to deal with children in conflict with law. According to the draft rules, proper medical and legal aid will be provided to juvenile criminals and their parents and guardians will be duly informed.
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• According to the rules, every state government is required to set up at least one ‘place of safety’ for the rehabilitation of such children. The rules prescribe for extensive services to be provided to such children through regular monitoring.
  
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• Several new offences against children have also been included in the Act such as sale and procurement of children for any purpose, corporal punishment in child care institutions, use of child by militant or adult groups, giving children intoxicating liquor or narcotic drug or psychotropic substance or tobacco products.
  
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• It also prescribes detailed procedures for determination of age. The JJB or Juvenile Justice Committee will determine the age of the child within 30 days from date of submission of application.
  
  

(With agency inputs)