Juvenile Justice Act: Handcuffing offenders to be done away with

TNS & agencies

New Delhi, May 25 

No child between 16 and 18 years of age in conflict with law will be handcuffed or sent to jail or a lock-up, according to the draft rules of the Juvenile Justice Act 2015 released by Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi here today. The rules spell out detailed child-friendly procedures for the police, the Juvenile Justice Board and the children's court.

The draft rules say proper medical and legal aid will be provided to juvenile criminals and their parents and guardians duly informed. "The board and the children's court are to adhere to the principle of best interest of the child and the objective of rehabilitation and reintegration of the child in society," Maneka said. 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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The rules were drafted by a  committee comprising a senior judge and advocates, members of the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) and Child Welfare Committee, representatives of states, mental health experts and civil society members. 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 childcare homes, use of children by adult groups, giving them intoxicants.