Cabinet nod to change Juvenile Justice Act

New Delhi: Overruling the recommendations of a parliamentary panel, the government on Wednesday went ahead with a proposal to try juveniles in the age group of 16 to 18 years accused of heinous crimes under laws for adults.

“The Cabinet has approved amendments to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, whereby juveniles in the age group of 16-18 can be tried under Indian Penal Code (IPC) if they are accused of heinous crimes,” IT and communication minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.

The issue was brought before the Cabinet a fortnight ago. Rejecting the recommendations of a parliamentary standing committee, the women and child development ministry had decided to go ahead with the proposal.

The SC had also observed that there was a need to relook at the provisions of Juvenile Justice Act in cases where the accused have committed crimes like rape, murder, dacoity and acid attacks.