Question : AMENDMENTS IN JUVENILE JUSTICE ACT

(a) whether any study has been made in respect of possible ‘guilty mind’ of juvenile in committing heinous crimes like rape and murder and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government proposes to bring any amendment in the Juvenile Justice Act and has suggested stricter punishment for juveniles found guilty of such crimes and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has received or sought any suggestions from various stakeholders regarding amendments in the said Act in this regard; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the time by which it is likely to be implemented?

MINISTER OF LAW & JUSTICE AND COMMUNICATIONS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)

(a)to(d): Government has not conducted any study in respect of ‘guilty mind’ of juvenile in committing heinous crimes like rape and murder. Ministry of Women and Child Development has drafted a comprehensive Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill, 2014, to repeal and re-enact the existing Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 under which special provisions have been proposed to address heinous offences committed by children above the age of 16 years, which will act as a deterrent for child offenders committing such crimes and will also protect the rights of victim to justice. It is further stated that three regional consultations and a national consultation were held with State Governments/Union Territory Administrations, representatives of the civil society and other stake-holders in 2011, to seek their views and suggestions for amendments in the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000. The proposed Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children)Bill, 2014 was also placed on the website of the Ministry of Women and Child Development on 18th June, 2014 for inviting comments from civil society and individuals. The draft Bill was also sent to all State Governments/UT Administrations and National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) for their comments. The draft Bill at this stage has been circulated for inter-ministerial consultation. After the approval of the Cabinet, the Bill is likely to be introduced in the Parliament.