Even as the Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to bring amendments to the Juvenile Justice Act, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on Sunday expressed surprise at the Union Cabinet approving the draft proposal to bring amendments to the Act.
The Commission had taken up with the Ministry of Women and Child Development the issue of lowering the age of a juvenile from 18 to 16.
Speaking to The Hindu here, Kushal Singh, Chairperson, NCPCR, said the move would cause dangerous consequences and it was totally against the basic objectives and fundamentals of Juvenile Justice Act.
The move itself was in a way curbing child rights. The NCPCR would continue to voice against the proposed Bill.
While hoping that the lawmakers would definitely take the right call on it, she said the final decision should be taken only after evaluating the views and concerns expressed by various stakeholders. The Ministry should deeply analyse the implication of the Bill before taking steps for passing it in Parliament. “I feel that there is no need for the amendment. It is a violation of child rights. The rights of children cannot be curtailed,” Ms. Singh said.
If the Bill was passed it would treat minors above the age of 16 on a par with the adults. “How could a person, who was yet to attain growth on all needed aspects, be treated equally with majors during trial proceedings?” she asked.
