Juvenile Justice Act to be re-legislated

The central government has decided to repeal the existing Juvenile Justice Act and re-legislate it after holding widespread consultations with stakeholders, an official statement said here Thursday.

A draft of the proposed Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill, 2014, incorporating suggestions already received during previous consultation process has been prepared and uploaded on the union women and child development ministry's website, the statement said.

The ministry has invited suggestions and comments from the civil society organisations, non-government organisations and individuals.

Over the past few years, concerns regarding protection of children and implementation issues related to the legislation have arisen, which need to be addressed as a priority through strengthening of existing provisions and introduction of new clauses in the act.

Some of the issues which ministry officials encountered while holding discussions are increase in reported incidents of abuse of children in institutions, family and communities, delay in adoption process and inadequate provision to deal with offences against children.