Establish juvenile democracy in every corner of society, says judge

 The High Court Justice Hulvadi G Ramesh said there is a need to introduce the fruits of democracy as means of right to the children and also attempts should be made to establish juvenile democracy in every nook and corner of the society.

Speaking after inaugurating a workshop on “Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act" organised jointly by the district administration, District Legal Services Authority, District Bar Association, District Women and Child Welfare Department and District Public Instruction Department, the justice lamented that every responsible individual should hold the liability of not providing education to all, especially the children on streets following 65 years of independence.

"Teachers and parents besides all of us should take up the mantle of making every child as the responsible citizen of the country. Each child should be given the rights entrusted under fundamental rights and also constitutional rights".

Earlier, Right to Education was considered under Directive Principles of State Policy, however the right has been now considered as the core fundamental right. The 2009 amendments have provided for the right to free and compulsory education to all children aged 6 to 14. It is an obligation. "Unless we commit ourselves to see that these rights are delivered properly, it is not effectively executed".

Education is a charity and both Central and State government should come forward with sufficient funds for education. Both private and public educational institutions play a vital role in catering to the needs of educational facilities.

He added that the earlier version of Child Act has taken the shape of Juvenile Justice Act."It is our bounded duty not only to punish them and but also to protect them and to see that they do not take up violence any more. Besides there is need to see that no harsh punishment is given besides the implications of the Act is very much important," he added.

Citing the example of the juvenile accused in the Delhi gang rape case, the justice said the juvenile offender might get maximum of three years of imprisonment.

He might be trailed by the Juvenile Justice Board comprising two social workers and one chief judicial magistrate. There is a need to advice the juvenile offenders and if necessary to admonish them.

Besides, we should also consider and focus on the situations in which children are exposed to violence. The offender who punishes the child is also punished as per the extension of provisions provided to the child. Let him or her be the teacher or parent. All are liable to punishment. He added it is essential to treat the children with respect and there is a need to educate, to reform every child and to protect the child rights, he said.