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KOLLAM — Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said demands were growing for amendments to India’s Juvenile Justice Act, expressing concern over the severity of punishment available for people under 18 who commit serious crimes.
Speaking to reporters in Kollam, Chennithala argued that the existing framework could allow minors involved in crimes such as murder to avoid sufficiently stringent punishment, according to remarks carried by news agency ANI.
“The present situation creates a possibility for those below 18 years of age to commit even murder without facing stringent punishment,” he said.
Chennithala said the state government had limited scope to act independently because the Juvenile Justice Act was central legislation.
“There are growing demands for amendments to the Juvenile Justice Act. However, since it is a Central law, the state government has limitations in taking a decision,” he said.
The state government would convey its views to the relevant authorities, he added.
Chennithala did not specify the amendments the government would seek or provide a timeline for submitting its position.
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala highlighted growing calls for amendments to India’s Juvenile Justice Act, citing concerns over lenient punishments for minors committing serious crimes like murder. He emphasized the state’s limited authority to act independently on the matter, as the law is central legislation, and pledged to convey the state’s stance to relevant authorities.