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Juvenile law in Surat, as in the rest of India, primarily deals with matters involving individuals who are legally recognized as minors—those under the age of 18. The principal legislation governing this area is the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. This law emphasizes rehabilitation and social reintegration over punishment, recognizing that children in conflict with the law or in need of care and protection have different needs compared to adult offenders. Surat, being a rapidly developing city in Gujarat, has its own Juvenile Justice Boards and Child Welfare Committees that operate under this national framework, ensuring local enforcement and child-focused legal practices.
People may seek legal assistance in juvenile law for a variety of reasons. Common situations include:
Legal help ensures the child's interests are prioritized and legal processes are properly followed, safeguarding their rights and future.
Surat follows the national Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which distinguishes between “children in conflict with law” and “children in need of care and protection.” Key aspects relevant to juvenile law in Surat include:
A juvenile is any person below the age of 18 years, as defined by the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
The minor is produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, not a regular criminal court. The focus is on rehabilitation, and the child’s rights are protected throughout the proceedings.
Juveniles are not sent to regular jails. Depending on the case, they may be sent to Observation Homes or Special Homes, and only as a last resort.
This includes children who are abused, abandoned, neglected, trafficked, or in any situation where their safety and overall well-being are at risk.
For certain heinous crimes (punishable with imprisonment of seven years or more), minors aged 16-18 can undergo a preliminary assessment by the Juvenile Justice Board to determine if they should be tried as an adult. This is rare and involves strict procedures.
Yes, parents or guardians are usually permitted to attend proceedings, and their involvement is encouraged to facilitate the minor's rehabilitation.
Juveniles have the right to legal representation, the presence of a guardian or social worker during questioning, protection from harsh treatment, and privacy of their identity and records.
Adoptions are processed under the legal framework of the Juvenile Justice Act, involving the Child Welfare Committee and authorized adoption agencies to ensure the child’s best interests are safeguarded.
The CWC is responsible for deciding matters related to children needing care and protection, ensuring their safety, and facilitating rehabilitation or family reintegration.
You can report to the nearest police station, child helpline (1098), or approach the Child Welfare Committee or District Child Protection Unit in Surat.
Several organizations and governmental bodies can assist with juvenile law matters in Surat:
If you or someone you know requires legal help concerning juvenile law in Surat, consider the following steps:
Getting informed and acting promptly is crucial to securing the best possible outcome in juvenile law matters. Consulting an experienced legal professional is highly recommended for tailored guidance and effective representation.
