Government nod to proposal to try 16-18 year olds under adult laws

NEW DELHI: A proposal to try juveniles in the age group of 16 to 18 years accused of heinous crimes under adult laws was cleared by the government today.

"The Cabinet has approved amendments to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, whereby juveniles in the age group of 16-18 can be tried under IPC if they are accused of heinous crimes," Communication Minster Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.

The issue was brought before the Cabinet a fortnight ago but was dropped from the agenda at the last moment and it was decided that an informal group of ministers will examine the issue.

Rejecting the recommendations of a Parliamentary Standing Committee, the Women and Child Development Ministry had decided to go ahead with the proposal.

The Supreme Court had also recently observed that there was a need to relook at the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act in cases where the accused have committed crimes like rape, murder dacoity and acid attacks.