Juvenile Justice Board

Juvenile Justice Board Latest News

Juvenile Justice and Children in Conflict with the Law: A Study of Capacity at the Frontlines’, by the India Justice Report (IJR) highlighted that more than half (55%) of the cases before 362 Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) remained pending as of October 31, 2023.

About Juvenile Justice Board

• It is formed under section-4 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 which functions relating to children in conflict with law under this Act.
• It states that, the state government shall constitute for every district, one or more Juvenile Justice Boards.

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Composition of Juvenile Justice Board

• A board shall consist of
  • Metropolitan Magistrate or
  • A Judicial Magistrate of first class not being Chief Metropolitan Magistrate or
  • Chief Judicial Magistrate referred to as Principal Magistrate with at least three years’ experience
  • Two social workers selected in such a manner as may be prescribed, of whom at least one shall be a woman.

Powers of Juvenile Justice Board

• Under Section 15, special provisions have been made to tackle child offenders committing heinous offences in the age group of 16-18 years.
• The Juvenile Justice Board is given the option to transfer cases of heinous offences by such children to a Children’s Court (Court of Session) after conducting preliminary assessment.

Functions of Juvenile Justice Board

• The board’s responsibility is to ensure that the child’s rights are protected throughout the process of apprehending the child, inquiry, aftercare and rehabilitation.
• It also ensures the availability of legal aid for the child through the legal services institutions.
• The board undertakes at least one inspection visit every month of residential facilities for children in conflict with law and recommends action for improvement in quality of services to the District Child Protection Unit and the state government.

Source: TH