Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Modi regime bites bullet” (April 24). The amendments to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, were indeed long overdue.
The Act, as it exists, has been prone to misuse by unscrupulous elements. The proactive role played by Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi to bring in changes to the law, must be applauded.
The Government’s decision is all the more praiseworthy considering the backdrop in which it has been done. A spurt of 13 per cent in juvenile crimes between 2012 and 2013, in which a whopping 132 per cent rise in crimes was against women, did not bode well for a healthy society.
Individuals of the age group 16-18 cannot be said to have lesser mental maturity than those more than 18 years of age. The responsibility quotient does not differ much in these age groups.
Social scientists who relish in providing the ‘foreign example’ must know that, even in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, different yardsticks are applied depending on the gravity of the crime. Age and seriousness of the offence committed are taken into consideration in deciding the quantum of punishment.