Question

Under the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which of the following is a unique provision for 'children in conflict with law'?

• A. Mandatory life imprisonment
• B. Automatic transfer to adult prison
• C. Permanent records of criminal offenses
• D. Rehabilitation through individualized care plans

Hint:

When answering questions about the JJ Act, always remember its foundational principles: "best interest of the child," "reformation," and "reintegration." Options that suggest punitive or adult-like measures are usually incorrect.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015, in India, is primarily a reformative and rehabilitative law. Its main objective is to ensure the proper care, protection, development, and social reintegration of children in difficult circumstances, rather than to punish them.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the options based on the principles of the JJ Act, 2015:
(A) Mandatory life imprisonment: This is a punitive measure for adults and is contrary to the reformative spirit of juvenile justice. The Act focuses on rehabilitation, not harsh punishments.
(B) Automatic transfer to adult prison: The Act does not allow for automatic transfers. It has provisions for a preliminary assessment by the Juvenile Justice Board for children between 16 and 18 years who have committed heinous offenses to determine if they should be tried as adults, but this is a judicial process, not automatic.
(C) Permanent records of criminal offenses: Section 24 of the Act states that the records of conviction for a juvenile should be destroyed, except in specific cases of heinous crimes where the child is tried as an adult. The goal is to prevent stigma and facilitate a fresh start.
(D) Rehabilitation through individualized care plans: This is the cornerstone of the JJ Act, 2015. Section 18 mandates the creation of an Individual Care Plan for every child in conflict with law, focusing on their specific needs for rehabilitation and reintegration into society. This is a unique and central provision of the Act.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The provision for rehabilitation through individualized care plans is a unique and defining feature of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, aligning with its core philosophy.