The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 Notes

Constitution of Juvenile Justice Board:

• The Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) is constituted under Section 4 of the Juvenile Justice Act.
• The Board consists of a Chairperson and two members, one of whom must be a woman.
• The members of the Board must have expertise in child psychology, law, or social work.

Powers of Juvenile Justice Board:

• The Board is responsible for conducting inquiries regarding juveniles in conflict with the law.
• The Board ensures that the juvenile’s best interests are taken into account during the inquiry.
• The Board has the authority to order the juvenile’s placement in observation homes, special homes, or other care facilities.
• The Board is empowered to release the juvenile on probation or bail if appropriate.
• The Board can also issue orders for counselling or educational support for the juvenile.
• The Board must act within the framework of the Juvenile Justice Act and ensure that proceedings are child-friendly.
• It has the authority to hear cases involving petty, serious, or heinous offences committed by juveniles.
• For instance, in Kumar v. State of UP (2018), the Board ordered the juvenile to be placed in a special home for reformative care.
• The Board ensures the rehabilitation and reintegration of juveniles into society, focusing on their mental and emotional well-being.
• The case of Laxmi Devi v. State (2019) highlights the Board’s role in ordering a juvenile’s educational support and psychological counselling.