juvenile justice act

What is the full name and year of the JJ Act? Any major amendment?

Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 — amended in 2021 (streamlined adoption processes). Replaced the 2000 Act to align with UNCRC.

Define 'Child' under JJ Act.

Any person who has not completed 18 years of age.

Name the two main categories of children under JJ Act.

Child in Conflict with Law (CCL) — alleged/found to have committed an offence (handled by JJB). Child in Need of Care & Protection (CNCP) — without proper care, abandoned, abused, exploited, or mentally ill (handled by CWC).

What are the key bodies under JJ Act and their roles?

Juvenile Justice Board (JJB): Principal Magistrate + 2 social workers (≥1 female). Handles CCL cases. Child Welfare Committee (CWC): Chairperson + 4 members (≥1 woman, 1 child development expert). Handles CNCP + assesses 16–18 yr heinous offenders.

Classify offences under JJ Act for CCL (with punishment and trial approach).

Petty: <3 years → Always juvenile. Serious: 3–7 years → Always juvenile. Heinous: ≥7 years → 16–18 yrs: CWC assessment → may be tried as adult. POCSO offences are heinous.

Can children below a certain age be held criminally responsible?

Process flow when a CCL is apprehended?

Police → Produce before JJB within 24 hours (no police station detention). Age <16 or petty/serious → Tried as juvenile (Observation home → Special home, max 3 yrs). Age 16–18 + Heinous → CWC assesses mental/physical/social capacity → May be tried as adult. Rehabilitation is ALWAYS preferred.

What is the maximum sentence for a juvenile (even for heinous offences)?

3 years in a Special Home / Place of Safety. No death penalty or life imprisonment for offences committed as a child.

Role of a psychiatrist under JJ Act (key points).

Capacity assessment (for 16–18 yr heinous offenders): mental/physical capacity, presence of MI/ID/substance use. Mental health evaluation of CNCP (trauma, abuse, developmental disorders). Rehabilitation planning: counselling, therapy, de-addiction, family/school interface.

Important provisions at a glance (list 4–5 key ones).

No handcuffing / lockup / adult jail for any child. Confidentiality: Child’s identity cannot be disclosed to media. Right to free legal aid. Foster care preferred over institutionalisation. Adoption governed by JJ Act + CARA.

What is CWC?

Child Welfare Committee — handles CNCP cases, placement, rehabilitation, and capacity assessment for 16–18 yr heinous offenders.

When can a juvenile be tried as an adult?

Only if 16–18 years + heinous offence + CWC finds sufficient capacity (mental, physical, social).

Can a juvenile get death penalty?

No. Maximum 3 years in place of safety.

Quick revision summary (one-liner for last-minute).

Child <18 → CCL (JJB) vs CNCP (CWC) → Rehabilitation focus → Heinous 16–18 yrs: CWC assessment → Psychiatrist: capacity + rehab. No death/life for juvenile offences.