Finally, Rajya Sabha passed the Juvenile Justice Bill yesterday, ensuring that, even 16-year-olds, involved in heinous crimes will be considered as adults and prosecuted.

After 2012 Delhi gang rape incident has occurred and a juvenile, involved in the crime was released after 3 years of jail, the necessity of the bill has occurred, upon the agitations conducted by the rape victim’s parents and few other women organizations.

After the bill was passed yesterday, rape victim’s mother said, “I am satisfied, but sad that my daughter couldn't get justice.”

Even the girl’s father said that the bill passed in Rajyasabha, is a tribute to his daughter.

Women and child development minister Maneka Gandhi, the person who had moved the Bill said, “I'm happy that everyone supported the Juvenile Justice Bill and want to thank everyone.”

According to the fresh bill, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill, 2014, considers 16-18 years people, as adults for heinous offences. Along with that,  anyone between 16-18 years of age, commits a less serious offence, may be tried as an adult if he is apprehended after he attains the age of 21.

In the past, the several parties like NCP, CPM and the DMK, pushed for sending the bill to a select committee, arguing that, any further examination was required to decide on the Juvenile Justice bill.

While moving the bill, women and child development minister Maneka Gandhi, said, the legislation is “compassionate” and comprehensive in nature.

She opined that, the juvenile crime is the fastest rising segment of crime. “You cannot have a more comprehensive, more nuanced and compassionate Bill,” she said.

Responding to the opposition parties, who are criticizing her, Maneka Gandhi said that, the bill was not her personal or NDA governments, but it is applicable to everybody, related to the case.  

"We may not be able to do anything about the juvenile convict in the Nirbhaya case, but we can deter many other boys," she said.

By Phani Ch