Prosecuting officers have called for implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act in "letter and spirit" in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the mission of the act was to provide relief to the juveniles who are in conflict with law.
"The mission of the Juvenile Justice Act is to provide relief to the juveniles in conflict with law as it is presumed that juveniles are immature," Senior Prosecuting Officer, Srinagar, Zia ur Rehman Khan said at a special training programme for police officers of the district.
He said the police should implement the act in "letter and spirit" without procedural lacunae.
Prosecuting Officer Danish Gul said the act has been drafted with a focus on adopting "reformative approach" in dealing with delinquent juveniles and to provide cover to the juveniles who are in conflict with law.
The aim is also to uphold various United Nations conventions on juvenile justice and basic human rights, he said.
"The juvenile in conflict with law shall be dealt in a child-friendly manner and home-like environment is to be provided by the designated juvenile police officers in civvies," Gul stressed.
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Chairperson of the Child Welfare Commission Munazah Gulzar, addressing the session, said juvenile justice rules have been made not only to provide protection to the juveniles, who are in conflict with law, but also for those in contact with law.
She said it was the responsibility of a police officer to ensure protection of the juvenile in conflict or in contact with law.
Gulzar said the Juvenile Justice Board has been constituted to look into legal issues related to juvenile delinquents. She stressed for cooperation among stakeholders like police, CWC and judiciary in dealing with the juveniles.