Sixth accused

The entire nation is outraged by the Juvenile Justice Board’s decision to treat the sixth accused in the Delhi gang rape case as a minor, which means he will be released soon. On what basis has the Board decided to put the safety of women at stake?

M.S. Poornima,Bangalore

Age should not be the criterion for dealing with a person who has committed a heinous crime. Outmoded laws need to be revisited in view of the physical and mental growth of a person in modern days. Rich food, quality health care and exposure to the Internet were not available to youngsters when the laws were framed. It is essential to redefine the concept of juvenility, particularly with respect to criminal acts.

D.L. Manjunath,Hassan