Question : INCREASE IN CRIME RATE DUE TO RETENTION IN AGE LIMIT

(a) whether consequent upon the extension of the age-limit of juveniles to 18 years due to amendment of the Juvenile Justice Act, the crime rate may lead to further rise;

(b) whether according to police figures, 50 cases involving juveniles were reported in 2000 as compared to 44 cases in 1999 in Delhi;

(c) whether during the current year, in just three and half months 35 cases have been reported from only one district and the other eight districts are yet to compile their figures in Delhi; and

(d) if so, whether the Government is planning a legal system to evolve for protecting the victim too by ensuring that the accused is given psychiatric help and is not allowed to frighten the victim?

THE MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE (SHRI K. JANA KRISHNAMURTHI):

(a) No, Sir. According to the information available with the Government, it is not a fact that revision of age limit of Juveniles to 18 years may lead to further rise in the crime rate.

(b) and (c) In the year 1999, 329 cases involving juveniles were reported in the N.C.T. of Delhi whereas i:~ the year 2000 the figures rose to 670 cases. During the current year upto 30.6.2002, 316 cases involving juveniles have been reported.

(d) Provisions already exist under Section 15 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2000 for counselling a juvenile, who has committed an offence, his participation in group counselling and similar activities, payment of fine by him, his placement under the care of any fit person or fit institution for good behaviour and in certain cases placement of a juvenile under the supervision of a Probation Officer. It further provides that in cases where a juvenile in conflict with law, has not been of good behaviour, he could be ordered to be sent to a special home.