11. What are the powers of Juvenile Justice Board?
Conduct Inquiries: The Juvenile Justice Board has the power to conduct inquiries under Sections 14 to 18 of the Juvenile Justice Act.
Pass Orders on Detention or Release: It has the power to pass orders regarding the detention or release of a juvenile.
Placement in Care Facilities: The Board can place a juvenile in an observation home, special home, or a place of safety for their care and rehabilitation.
Release on Probation: It can order the juvenile’s release on probation, with or without surety, based on the circumstances of the case.
Direct Parents or Guardians: The Board is empowered to direct the juvenile’s parents or guardians to pay fines or participate in counselling.
Community Service: It can also direct the juvenile to perform community service under supervision.
Education and Vocational Training: The Board can issue orders for the juvenile’s education, vocational training, and participation in de-addiction programmes.
Dispose of Cases: It has the authority to dispose of cases involving petty, serious, or heinous offences committed by juveniles.
Decision on Trial as Adult: The Board can decide whether a juvenile should be tried as an adult, after conducting a preliminary assessment in heinous offence cases.
Protection of Rights: The Board ensures that the juvenile’s rights are protected during the proceedings and that they are treated with dignity.
Case Law – Vikram v. State of Maharashtra (2020): The Board ordered a juvenile’s rehabilitation through vocational training after a non-violent offence.
Case Law – Deepak v. State of Kerala (2019): The Board directed the juvenile to attend school and participate in group counselling.
Purpose: The Board’s power is to ensure that the juvenile is reformed and reintegrated into society without causing harm to others.
