2. What are the Salient Features of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015?
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, contains several salient features designed to protect and rehabilitate children. These are as follows:
Definition of Juvenile: The Act defines a juvenile as anyone below 18 years of age, bringing it in line with international standards like the CRC (Convention on the Rights of the Child). Earlier, juveniles were considered those below 16 years.
Focus on Rehabilitation: The Act focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration of juvenile offenders rather than punishment, aiming to guide them back to society. For example, vocational training and counseling are prioritized.
Child Welfare Committees: Child Welfare Committees are set up to ensure children in need of care and protection are produced within 24 hours of apprehension.
Juvenile Justice Boards: Juvenile Justice Boards (JJB) are established to ensure speedy trials and individual care for juveniles accused of crimes.
Adoption Provisions: The Act allows adoption of children, whether the parents are married or not, and regulates inter-country adoptions to prevent misuse.
Special Homes: It establishes Special Homes to rehabilitate juveniles aged 16-18 years, especially for those involved in serious crimes.
Fast-Track Courts: The Act creates 14 fast-track courts to deal with cases of missing children, abuse, and crimes against children to speed up justice delivery.
Central Adoption Resource Authority: It introduces the Central Adoption Resource Authority, which regulates inter-country adoptions and ensures transparency by issuing no-objection certificates.
Shelter Homes: The Act ensures each district has at least one shelter home to provide immediate care for juveniles in crisis situations.
Strict Punishments: It imposes strict punishments for crimes against children, like child labor, sexual exploitation, and using children for begging. For instance, traffickers face harsher penalties.
Guidelines for Serious Offences: The Act provides guidelines for dealing with serious offences committed by juveniles aged 16-18, ensuring a balance between accountability and protection of their rights.
Best Interests of Children: It emphasizes the best interests of children at all stages, ensuring they are not treated as adults even in the most serious cases.
