Centre for Child Rights Advocacy, Institute of Law, Nirma University, hosted a guest lecture on “Advanced Perspectives on Juvenile Justice and Child Protection: An In-Depth Analysis of the Juvenile Justice Act and POCSO Act in India” on September 16, 2024. The lecture was delivered by Mr. Shubham Jharjharia, an advocate at the High Court of Gujarat, who connected theoretical knowledge with practical cases to help attendees understand the functioning of these laws in real-life situations.
Mr. Jhajharia began the discussion with prominent cases like the Pune car accident and the Nirbhaya case, highlighting the challenges of handling juveniles involved in serious and heinous crimes. He demonstrated the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, focusing on Section 4, which covers Juvenile Justice Board and Section 15, which allows juveniles aged 16-18 to be tried as adults for heinous crimes. The necessity of separate Sudhar Kendras (reform homes) for minors was also deciphered.
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 was another key focus of the session. Mr. Jhajharia outlined key sections, such as Section 3 to 12, which categorises offences and their punishments, and Section 19, which mandates reporting of offences against children. He also discussed Section 33, which ensures child-friendly procedures to be followed during legal proceedings in Special Courts. There was deliberation on recent case laws revolving around the intricacies of the act and its application.
The lecture provided an advanced understanding of the Juvenile Justice Act and POCSO Act, emphasising the balance between protection, accountability, and rehabilitation of minors within the Indian legal system.