21. Discuss the offences of cruelty and exploitation of children under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
Cruelty to Children: Section 75 penalizes cruelty to children by custodians, including physical or emotional harm, with imprisonment up to 3 years and a fine of ₹1 lakh.
Child Exploitation for Begging: Section 76 addresses child exploitation for begging, punishing offenders with imprisonment up to 5 years and fines.
Giving Intoxicants to Children: Section 77 criminalizes giving children intoxicants, with penalties of 7 years imprisonment or ₹1 lakh fine.
Using Children for Illegal Activities: Using children for illegal activities like drug trafficking is penalized under Section 78 with up to 5 years imprisonment.
Sale and Procurement of Children: Section 79 prohibits the sale and procurement of children for any purpose, punishing offenders with up to 5 years imprisonment.
Hazardous Work and Bonded Labor: Employing children in hazardous work or bonded labor is addressed under Section 81 with severe penalties.
Child Pornography and Sexual Abuse: Child pornography and sexual abuse are also punishable under Section 78 in conjunction with POCSO Act provisions.
Corporal Punishment: Section 82 ensures penalties for corporal punishment in child care institutions, including fines and imprisonment.
Kidnapping or Abduction: Kidnapping or abducting children for exploitative purposes leads to stringent penalties under Section 83.
Non-Reporting of Offences: Penalties for non-reporting or concealment of offences against children are detailed in Section 86.
Repeat Offenders: Repeat offenders under these sections face enhanced penalties as prescribed under Section 87.
Protection of Child Witnesses: The law ensures protection of child witnesses during trials of offences against children.
Case Law – Bachpan Bachao Andolan v. Union of India (2011): Highlighted the strict implementation of laws to curb child labor and trafficking.
