Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Juvenile Law in Hyderabad, India is primarily governed by the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. This legal framework is designed to provide a mechanism for the care, protection, treatment, and rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law. In Hyderabad, as in the rest of India, a juvenile is defined as an individual who is under 18 years of age. The law aims to ensure that juveniles are treated in a manner that acknowledges their vulnerable status and promotes their reintegration into society while protecting their fundamental rights.
In Hyderabad, individuals may require legal help in juvenile law for various reasons, such as guidance through proceedings involving a child in conflict with the law, cases of juvenile delinquency, or matters relating to the care and protection of children. A lawyer specializing in juvenile law can assist with understanding the legal rights of a child, navigating the complex juvenile justice system, and ensuring that children receive fair and compassionate treatment that complies with the principles of juvenile justice.
The key aspects of local laws related to Juvenile Law in Hyderabad are the following: - The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 categorizes children into two groups: children in conflict with the law and children in need of care and protection. - The Act establishes the Juvenile Justice Board to oversee matters concerning children in conflict with the law and Child Welfare Committees to handle matters involving children in need of care and protection. - It prioritizes rehabilitation and social reintegration of children over punitive measures and insists on a child-friendly approach throughout the judicial process. - There are provisions for establishing Special Homes and Observation Homes for the temporary stay of children during the course of legal proceedings. - The Act also highlights the importance of foster care, sponsorship, and adoption as viable options for the care and protection of children who are orphaned, abandoned, or surrendered.
In Hyderabad and throughout India, any individual under the age of 18 years is considered a juvenile.
When a juvenile is taken into custody for allegedly being in conflict with the law, the juvenile must be placed under the charge of the Special Juvenile Police Unit or the designated Child Welfare Police Officer, who will produce the child before the Juvenile Justice Board without any unnecessary delay.
In certain cases, where the juvenile is between 16 and 18 years old and has committed a heinous offence, the Juvenile Justice Board has the authority to assess if the child can be tried as an adult. However, this decision is taken with careful consideration of the child's mental and physical capacity to commit such an offence.
A Child Welfare Committee is a specialized body established under the Juvenile Justice Act that deals with cases concerning children in need of care and protection. It is empowered to make decisions regarding their rehabilitation and welfare.
A juvenile has the right to be treated with dignity and compassion, to be protected from abuse, to have legal representation, and to a fair hearing, among others, as per the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
Rehabilitation options include institutional care, such as Special Homes and Observation Homes, as well as non-institutional alternatives like foster care, adoption, and sponsorship programs.
Any individual or social worker can bring a child in need of care and protection to the attention of the Child Welfare Committee or the nearest police station.
A juvenile can be held in an Observation Home until the Juvenile Justice Board concludes their inquiry, which should typically not exceed a four-month period.
Yes, decisions made by the Juvenile Justice Board can be challenged through an appeal in a higher court within the specified period mentioned in the Act.
Parents are involved in the juvenile justice process to the extent possible, as the system emphasizes the role of the child's family for support, rehabilitation, and reintegration efforts.
For those seeking more information on juvenile law in Hyderabad, the Department of Women Development & Child Welfare, Government of Telangana, provides resources and contacts. Non-governmental organizations such as the Child Rights and You (CRY) and Save the Children India also offer assistance and information pertinent to juvenile law matters. The Legal Services Authorities at both the state and district levels may provide legal aid to those in need.
If you need legal assistance in the field of juvenile law, the next steps would include reaching out to a lawyer specialized in juvenile justice. You can also contact the Legal Services Authority in Hyderabad for guidance and free legal aid if you qualify. Furthermore, it is crucial to report any matter concerning a juvenile to the relevant authorities, such as the Child Welfare Committee or Juvenile Justice Board, as swiftly as possible to ensure the child's rights and well-being are safeguarded.
