CPI (M) to oppose JJ Bill in Rajya Sabha

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Tuesday stuck to their guns in opposing the Juvenile Justice Bill, saying 'lowering the age of juveniles is not in the interest of justice'.

"We have opposed the Bill in the Lok Sabha and would also oppose it in Rajya Sabha. We do not see that lowering the age of juvenile is in the interest of justice," CPI (M) leader Brinda Karat told ANI.

The CPI (M) leader also pointed out that treating 16 years old as an adult was totally wrong,as there is a difference between a child and an adult.

"A child treated like an adult is not right. They are including 16 years children in the category of criminals who commit heinous crimes. They are sending a child to Tihar jail among criminals, this is totally wrong," she added.

CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury has earlier stated that the Left parties were still of the view that the amendments should go to a Select Committee.

Meanwhile, Government has assured parents of the December 16 gang rape victim that the bill which will allow juveniles between 16-18 years to be tried as adults in heinous crime cases will be passed today. The parents of the victim met Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi at his residence in New Delhi today.