Sir — This refers to the editorial, “New look at juvenile Act” (December 2). We need to acknowledge the emerging reality. If a juvenile commits rape or murder, the gravity of the crime does not reduce — nor should the punishment. If one talks of the rights of the juvenile, what about the rights of the victimsIJ And, consider the case of a minor girl who gets raped by a juvenile. Since children mature physically, sexually and mentally well before they turn 18, they need to be treated on par with adults and adequate punishment must be meted out.
Various legislations, which are now in force, were made long ago, taking into account the situation prevailing then. With changes taking place in every sphere of society, there is a need to amend the existing laws. laws become obsolete if they do not come to the rescue of people in crisis or offer adequate justice.
It will be a travesty of justice if we segregate convicts on the basis of their age, even if they are involved in heinous crimes like rape and murder. The determining factor to award punishment must be the gravity of the crime and nothing else.