The central government has moved the Juvenile Justice Bill in the Lok Sabha which will allow children in the 16-18 age group to be tried as adults if they commit heinous crimes. Data from the National Crime Records Bureau says that crimes by juveniles in the age group of 16-18 years have increased, especially in certain categories of heinous crimes. The bill states that in case a heinous crime has been committed by a person in the age group of 16-18 years, it will be examined by a Juvenile Justice Board to assess if the crime was committed as a 'child' or as an 'adult'.

The trial of the case will take place accordingly by the board which will consist of psychologists and social experts. The legislation, will replace the existing Juvenile Justice Act, 2000, which was proposed in view of the increasing number of serious offenses being committed by persons in the age group of 16-18 years. The trial of the case will take place accordingly by the board which will consist of psychologists and social experts. The legislation, which would replace the existing Juvenile Justice Act, 2000, was proposed in view of the increasing number of serious offenses being committed by persons in the age group of 16-18 years.

The number of murder cases against juveniles rose from 531 in 2002 to 1,007 in 2013. Similarly, cases of rape and assault with intent to outrage the modesty of women have gone up from 485 and 522 in 2002 to 1,884 and 1,424 in 2013 respectively.

The amended bill also proposes to streamline adoption procedures for orphaned, abandoned and surrendered children by making mandatory registration of all institutions engaged in providing child care. The legislation proposes several rehabilitation and social integration measures for institutional and non- institutional children. It provides for sponsorship and foster care as completely new measures.

By Premji