(a) whether the Government propose to raise the upper age limit applicable to juvenile delinquents ;
(b) if so, whether any decision has been taken by the Government so far in this regard ;
(c) if so, the details thereof ; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefore ?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS ( I.D. SWAMI )
(a) to (c): The Government has already replaced the Juvenile Justice Act, 1986 with a new Act, viz. the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000. The new Act prescribes a uniform age of below 18 years for both boys and girls to be treated as Juvenile or child under the Act. Under the old Juvenile Justice Act, 1986 the age limit prescribed was below 18 years for girls and below 16 years for boys. The new Act has come into force with effect from 1st April, 2001.
(d): Does not arise.