Regrettably 132 per cent increase is reported in juvenile crimes of rape, assault on modesty and outrage of women during the year 2013. The juvenile between 16 and 18 years of age comprise 53 per cent of criminals charged with acts of crimes against women. This is a very saddening story. National Crime Record Bureau has provided this data and as such it is a dependable source. Statistics shows that more than 50 per cent of the juvenile criminals come from poor families with income below 25000 rupees.
The debate is whether the children in the age-group of 16-18 who have committed crimes of various types against women should be dealt with at par with adult criminals or not. Opinions vary. It means whether the Juvenile Justice Act of 2000 needs amendment in view of the increasing number of child criminals. A bill has been brought before the Parliament but NGOs and Human Rights activists are opposing it tooth and nail. The debate on the issue will take place in the Parliament at its proper time. But, what is of much urgency is that a mechanism has to be evolved which reaches homes, families and schools where the children of adolescent age 16-18 or around that are given effective education about how they are supposed to behave towards women. The criminal mentality has to be checked first by the parents and then by the educationists. If it is felt necessary to make amendments in the Act it should be brought about. The fact of the matter is that we have a very poor record of showing respect to women and protecting their honour. This is a canker eating into our vitals. We hang our heads in shame when we are told that foreign visiting women have been molested or raped or abused. It does not at all fit in with the culture and philosophy of our nation. Law makers must realize that nothing should be allowed that brings defamation to the nation. Criminal acts cannot be overlooked, and even the juvenile has to be reined in with proper care and effectiveness.
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