JUVENILE JUSTICE (CARE & PROTECTION OF CHILDREN ACT) 2000
This is relating to Juveniles in conflict with law & children in need of care & 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.
A “Juvenile” or “Child” is defined as a person who has not completed 18th year of age and “Juvenile in conflict with law” means a Juvenile who is alleged to have committed an offence.
Under Section 3, when an inquiry has been initiated against a Juvenile in conflict with law or a child in need of care and protection and during the course of inquiry the Juvenile or the child ceases to be one, the inquiry will be continued.
Section 4 of the Act, provides to constitute Juvenile Justice Boards for a district or a group of districts for exercising the powers and discharging the duties in relation to Juvenile in conflict with law. The board shall consist of a metropolitan Magistrate or a Judicial Magistrate of the first class and two social workers.
Section 8 and 9 of the Act enable the State Government to establish and maintain observation homes and special homes respectively, by itself or under an agreement with voluntary organizations. The observation homes are for the temporary reception of any Juvenile in conflict with law during the pendency of any inquiry. The special homes are for reception and rehabilitation of Juvenile in conflict with law under this act.
Section 21 of the act prohibits the publication of name, address etc that reveals the identification of the juvenile involved in any proceeding.
Section 29 of the act enables the state government for the constitution of child welfare committee.