Question

Under the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which of the following is a unique provision for 'children in conflict with law'?

• A. Mandatory life imprisonment
• B. Automatic transfer to adult prison
• C. Permanent records of criminal offenses
• D. Rehabilitation through individualized care plans

Hint:

When answering questions about the JJ Act, always remember its foundational principles: "best interest of the child," "reformation," and "reintegration." Options that suggest punitive or adult-like measures are usually incorrect.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Overview:
The Indian Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015 prioritizes child rehabilitation and reintegration. Its goal is to support children facing challenging circumstances, not to punish them.
Step 2: Analysis:
Consider the following options in relation to the JJ Act, 2015:
(A) Life imprisonment: This is a punishment for adults and contradicts the Act's focus on reform.
(B) Automatic transfer to adult prison: The Act doesn't allow automatic transfers. A Juvenile Justice Board assesses children aged 16-18 who commit serious offenses to decide if they should be tried as adults. This is a judicial process, not automatic.
(C) Permanent criminal records: Section 24 of the Act mandates destruction of juvenile conviction records, except for specific heinous crimes where the child is tried as an adult. This aims to reduce stigma and facilitate reintegration.
(D) Rehabilitation via individualized care plans: This is central to the JJ Act, 2015. Section 18 requires Individual Care Plans for all children in conflict with the law, addressing their specific needs for rehabilitation and reintegration.
Step 3: Conclusion:
Individualized care plans are a defining feature of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, aligning with its core principles.