Two teenagers were sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of a 16-year-old by a sessions court in Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh in what could be the first case under the amended Juvenile Justice Act, reported. The two minors allegedly stabbed Radhu Nana Palia for a meagre Rs 500. The two accused were sent to a correction home and after they were declared “physically and mentally fit” and they were “aware of the consequences of the offence”, a charge sheet was filed against them and were later convicted, the report added.
A ‘juvenile’ is an individual who is not a major by age and still are held liable and accountable for their illegitimate actions that an adult can.
‘Juvenile Crime’ is defined as the crime done by minors under a certain age limit. These crimes include theft, burglary, snatching, robbery, dacoity, murder, and rape. “Child in Conflict with Law” is defined undersection 2(3) of the Juvenile Justice Care Act 2015.
What are the reasons for Juvenile crimes?
No individual is born a criminal, it is the socio-cultural environment and circumstances that change the personality of the Individual. Socio-cultural environment also influences criminal behavior, with common causes such as poverty, drug abuse, family violence, child sexual abuse, and media influence. Factors such as poverty and the effect of the media are the factors behind most of the crimes. There also exist theories about how mental health links to crime, Adolescents often commit crimes due to their environment’s adaptation.
What is the present legislation for Juvenile crimes?
In India, the Juvenile Justice is a special act and there exists some special provisions in both IPC and CrPC, these include:
Section 82 of IPC – Act of child under 7 years of age.
Section 83 of IPC– Act of child above 7 and under 12 of immature understanding
Section 27 of CrPc- allows for the trial of offenses committed by individuals under 16 years old, not punishable by death or imprisonment.
What are the legal reforms available for juveniles?
The Juvenile Justice Care Act permits minors to be detained in “Observation Homes” or “Children Homes” while legal proceedings are pending, protecting them from prosecution and punishment. It establishes various welfare measures and differentiates offenses into heinous, petty, or serious categories. Regardless of the seriousness of the offense, a child can only be imprisoned for a maximum of three years before being sent to a “Special Home”.
Rehabilitation – Rehabilitation: In an attempt to end the cycle of recurrence of crimes by young offenders involved in rehabilitation and reintegration, they are provided with mental health and psychiatric treatment, in addition to specific educational and career training programs. These initiatives support social harmony and safety by strengthening India’s juvenile justice system and decreasing juvenile criminality. Thus, making the system more equitable, effective, and caring.
Effective interventions in juvenile delinquencies is necessary to encompass social welfare and to address the root cause of the multifaceted nature of juvenile crime.
