The juvenile convict (now over 20 years old) in the 2012 Nirbhaya rape and murder case might be released from the Observation Home on Sunday (December 20) after the Delhi Government stated that it has followed due diligence in the case.
However, the Delhi High Court’s verdict on a petition filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy against his release on the grounds that the accused was not reformed and once free, he may pose threat to other girls and women is to come soon.
Informing the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Government has stated, (a copy of which is with The Pioneer), “The said juvenile has undergone rehabilitation trainings like cooking and tailoring as per aptitude and wishes expressed by the JCl before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB).”
The notice sent to the human rights watchdog of the country, also stated, “Discharge order is yet to be received from the concerned JJB. The discharge order is issued by the concerned JJB where the case of juvenile in conflict with law was decided,” the communiqué stated.
“As per the directions of the JJB-II as well as need, the juvenile has been given regular psychological counseling and assessment by the counselor of the institution since his admission in the institution,” the letter written by the Women and Child Development Department of the Delhi Government said.
“Psychological/psychiatric assessment for assessing the mental health of the juvenile was also assessed from time to time by external professional counsellor/psychiatrist,” it further stated.
With the notice it has come into light that the Government had also sent the copy of the juvenile’s recent psychological assessment by counselor of the mental health unit as the notice said, “The copy is annexed herewith and marked as Annexure-’B’.” The notice was sent with the approval of Chief Secretary of Delhi.
However, the Central Government had previously asked the Delhi High Court to extend the stay of juvenile in his observation home. Nirbhaya’s parents had also opposed his release, claiming that that the juvenile — understood to be the most brutal of the gang of six rapists — could be a threat to society.