Jab alleged offender ki age 18 se kam ho, to usko juvenile treat kiya jata hai, aur special law/procedure apply hota hai. Idea: young mind slip kar sakta hai, par permanently label “criminal” nahi lagna chahiye.
Juvenile Justice framework reformation pe focus karta hai:
- Observation homes, counselling, education,
- Community service, supervision,
- Family reintegration efforts.
Kuch heinous offences (serious violence, sexual offences) ke cases me debate hoti hai ki older juveniles (16–18) ko adult-like treatment diya jaye ya nahi. Law ne limited situations me stricter handling allow kiya, lekin process still specialised board se start hota hai.
Media ko bhi restrictions hain – juvenile ka naam, photo disclose nahi kar sakte. Society ka reaction “example set karo” ka pressure laata hai, lekin long-term me rehabilitation hi safer hai.
System ka goal hai galti se seekhne ka chance dena, na ki permanently ek young life ko andhere me dhakel dena.