Supreme Court refused to reduce Juvenile Age from 18 to 16 years

The Supreme Court of India on 17 July 2013 refused to reduce the age of Juvenile from 18 years to 16 years and dismissed the plea that said minors involved in heinous crimes should not be protected under the law.

The decision of the Apex Court came from the Bench headed by Chief Justice of India, Altamas Kabir. The bench dismissed all the PILs demanding reduction of Juveniles age filed after Delhi gang-rape in the moving bus and murder case that happened on 16 December 2012 (a minor was also allegedly involved in the case). The court in its decision said that interference in Juvenile Justice Act was not necessary.  

The minor involved in the gang-rape incident in the moving bus at present is facing proceedings before the Juvenile Justice Board. The board has scheduled to pronounce its decision on 25 July 2013.

Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000: was passed on 30 December 2000 as an act to consolidate and amend the law relating to juveniles in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection, by providing for proper care, protection and treatment by catering to their development needs, and by adopting a child-friendly approach in the adjudication and disposition of matters in the best interest of children and for their ultimate rehabilitation through various institutions established under this enactment.