Statement by India at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group 27^th Session (1-12 May 2017) on New Juvenile Justice Act : 3^rd UPR of India. [Geneva, 4 May 2017]

The new Juvenile Justice Act deals with children in the age group of 16-18 as was raised. This law deals with children in need of care and protection and children in conflict with law. Special provisions are made to tackle child offenders committing heinous offences in the age group of 16-18 years. The rights and concerns of such children are protected in multiple ways under legal provisions and institutional mechanisms. Civil Society organizations play a very strong role in this space.

2. This law, now provides for placing children in a ‘place of safety’ both during and after the trial till they attain the age of 21 years after this an evaluation of the child shall be conducted by the Children’s Court. After this evaluation, the child is either released on probation or if the child is not reformed then the child will be sent to a jail for remaining term. The law will act as a deterrent for child offenders committing heinous offences such as rape and murder and will protect the rights of victim. No child for any offence can be sentenced for life without the possibility of release or sentenced to death by the Board or the Children’s Court.

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