Govt approves Juvenile Justice Act, now 16-18 year olds can be tried under adult laws

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, April 23, 2015: Union government on Wednesday approved the proposal which seeks to try juveniles under the 16-18 age group under the laws for adults.

"The Cabinet has approved amendments to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, whereby juveniles in the age group of 16-18 can be tried under IPC if they are accused of heinous crimes," Communication Minster Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.

The issue was brought before the Cabinet a fortnight ago but was dropped from the agenda at the last moment and it was decided that an informal group of ministers will examine the issue.

Rejecting the recommendations of a Parliamentary Standing Committee, the Women and Child Development Ministry had decided to go ahead with the proposal.

The Supreme Court had also recently observed that there was a need to relook at the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act in cases where the accused have committed crimes like rape, murder dacoity and acid attacks.


Courtesy: Indiatoday