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Juvenile law in Surendranagar is governed primarily by the Juvenile Justice Care and Protection of Children Act, 2015 along with its subsequent amendments and the rules notified by the Government of Gujarat. This law creates a child-friendly justice system for two broad categories of children. First, children alleged or found to be in conflict with law. Second, children in need of care and protection due to abandonment, abuse, neglect, trafficking, or other vulnerabilities. The Act sets up dedicated authorities such as the Juvenile Justice Board for cases involving alleged offences and the Child Welfare Committee for care and protection matters. Police units are required to be child friendly, timelines are accelerated, confidentiality is protected, and the focus is on rehabilitation and reintegration rather than punishment.
Surendranagar district follows the same national framework, supported locally by the District Juvenile Justice Board, the Child Welfare Committee, the District Child Protection Unit, Special Juvenile Police Units, Probation Officers, and recognized childcare institutions like observation homes and special homes. Where criminal law applies, India’s new criminal statutes, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, operate alongside the Juvenile Justice Act, but proceedings for children continue to be handled under child-specific procedures and protections.
If a child has been apprehended by police for an alleged offence, a lawyer ensures that the child is handled only by the Special Juvenile Police Unit, is produced before the Juvenile Justice Board within 24 hours, is not kept in a police lock-up, and is considered for bail as a rule under section 12 of the JJ Act. Legal counsel helps secure release to guardians, challenges any improper detention, and protects the child’s privacy and rights at every stage.
In serious or heinous offence allegations against a child aged 16 to 18, the Board conducts a preliminary assessment to decide the forum for trial. A lawyer is essential to present the child’s mental and physical capacity, understanding of consequences, and circumstances, and to seek retention of the case before the Board with rehabilitative measures rather than transfer to a Children’s Court.
For children in need of care and protection, lawyers assist with CWC proceedings, restoration to family, sponsorship, foster care, and permanent rehabilitation. They also help survivors of sexual offences under the POCSO Act with registration of FIR, access to a support person, interim compensation, and ensuring child-friendly investigation and trial.
Families often need advice on age determination disputes, school or hostel disciplinary actions, interaction with probation services, sealing of records, adoption and foster care procedures, and appeals against JJB or CWC orders. A local lawyer can also coordinate with the District Legal Services Authority for free legal aid and with the District Child Protection Unit for social services.
The Juvenile Justice Board in Surendranagar is typically presided over by a Judicial Magistrate with two social workers and hears all cases of children in conflict with law. Proceedings are informal, in camera, and focused on inquiry rather than trial, with social investigation reports prepared by Probation Officers. Bail is the default unless release is likely to bring the child into association with known criminals, expose the child to danger, or defeat the ends of justice. No handcuffing or joint detention with adults is permitted.
The Child Welfare Committee exercises powers of a Metropolitan Magistrate or Judicial Magistrate First Class for care and protection cases. It can pass orders for emergency shelter, medical care, counselling, restoration to family, foster care, sponsorship, or placement in a fit facility. Every child must be produced before the CWC within 24 hours by police, Childline, or any person who finds the child needing care.
Police duties are handled by the Special Juvenile Police Unit and a designated Child Welfare Police Officer at each police station. The SJPU must immediately inform parents or guardians, the DCPU, and arrange for safe custody. For petty offences, the police may avoid formal FIRs and instead use counseling and community-based measures, subject to JJ Board oversight. Statements of child survivors are to be recorded in a child-friendly manner, preferably at the child’s residence or a safe place, and by a woman officer when possible.
For children aged 16 to 18 alleged to have committed a heinous offence, the Board conducts a preliminary assessment of capacity and circumstances. Only if necessary may the matter be transferred to a Children’s Court, which must still apply child-sensitive procedures and consider reformative options. The law protects the identity of every child. Publication of names or identifying details is prohibited. Records of children dealt with by the Board are protected from disclosure, and the law removes disqualification from employment resulting from most juvenile matters to promote reintegration.
Gujarat operates state rules under the JJ Act and district-level mechanisms for observation homes, special homes, and place of safety. Surendranagar residents can also access free legal aid through the District Legal Services Authority at the District Court complex and reach emergency help using helplines such as 1098 for Childline, 112 for emergency response, and 100 for police.
Any person under 18 years of age is treated as a child under the Juvenile Justice Act. Age is determined through official documents like a birth certificate or school records, and if unavailable, through medical examination. Benefit of doubt goes in favor of juvenility.
The child must be handled by the Special Juvenile Police Unit, not kept in a police lock-up, and produced before the Juvenile Justice Board within 24 hours. Parents or guardians must be informed immediately. The Board will consider release to guardians and may order supervision by a Probation Officer.
Only for alleged heinous offences by children aged 16 to 18, and only after a preliminary assessment by the Juvenile Justice Board. Even then, child-specific safeguards and privacy protections continue to apply, and reformative measures are prioritized.
Yes. Bail is the rule under the JJ Act unless release is likely to bring the child into contact with known offenders, expose the child to danger, or defeat the ends of justice. Conditions like supervision, attendance, or counselling may be imposed.
The identity of any child involved in juvenile proceedings cannot be published. Proceedings are in camera. Records are kept confidential, and most juvenile matters do not disqualify the child from future education or employment.
POCSO provides child-friendly investigation and trial. A support person can be appointed, interim compensation can be sought through the District Legal Services Authority, and testimony can be recorded with special protections. Medical care and counselling are prioritized.
The Board or Committee will examine a birth certificate, school records, or municipal records first. If these are unavailable or inconclusive, a medical age assessment may be ordered. Until determined otherwise, the child-benefit principle applies.
Schools should not discriminate against or stigmatize the child. For elementary education, expulsion is restricted under the Right to Education Act. Confidentiality must be respected, and any disciplinary action should follow due process and consider the child’s best interests.
The JJ Act and rules aim for expedited inquiries. Boards and Committees follow strict timelines for production, interim care, and final orders. Actual duration depends on case complexity, assessment requirements, and availability of reports, but matters generally move faster than regular criminal trials.
You have the right to a lawyer of your choice, and children are entitled to free legal aid regardless of family income through the District Legal Services Authority. Retaining private counsel can be helpful in complex matters, but even with legal aid, your child will be represented.
District Juvenile Justice Board Surendranagar handles cases of children in conflict with law. You can approach the Board office located within or near the District Court campus for case information, production timings, and filing applications through a lawyer.
Child Welfare Committee Surendranagar handles care and protection. It usually functions from premises designated by the district administration. Cases may be initiated by police, Childline, DCPU, or any concerned person producing the child.
District Child Protection Unit Surendranagar coordinates child protection services, conducts social investigations, arranges restoration and sponsorship, and supports foster care. You can contact the DCPU through the District Collectorate or Women and Child Development Department offices.
Special Juvenile Police Unit operates through the District Police and each police station’s Child Welfare Police Officer. For emergencies, call 100 or 112. For child protection concerns, call Childline 1098, which operates 24 by 7.
District Legal Services Authority Surendranagar at the District Court complex provides free legal aid, victim compensation applications, and counselling services. You can walk in during working hours to apply for legal aid for any child-related matter.
Gujarat State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights accept complaints about child rights violations, including misuse of identity, unlawful detention, and denial of entitlements. You can also seek assistance through the One Stop Centre Sakhi for medical, counselling, and legal support to survivors of violence.
For adoption and foster care, the District Child Protection Unit and recognized Specialized Adoption Agencies guide you through registration, home study, referral, and court processes in line with CARA guidelines and the JJ Act.
If a child has been picked up by police, stay calm and request the Child Welfare Police Officer and the Special Juvenile Police Unit. Insist that the child be produced before the Juvenile Justice Board within 24 hours and not kept in a lock-up. Inform a lawyer immediately and keep a note of the police station name and diary number.
Gather documents that help establish age and identity, including birth certificate, Aadhaar, school leaving certificate, or municipal records. These will be important for age determination and for the Board or Committee’s assessment.
Contact the District Legal Services Authority at the District Court complex to request free legal aid. Explain that the matter involves a child and ask for urgent appointment of counsel. If the case involves sexual offences or violence, also request a support person and interim compensation where applicable.
Cooperate with the Probation Officer or the District Child Protection Unit for the social investigation report. Provide accurate information about family environment, school history, and any special needs so that the Board or Committee can tailor a rehabilitation plan.
Follow all conditions imposed by the Board or Committee, such as attending counselling, community service, or educational programs. Keep copies of all orders. Do not allow the child’s name or photographs to be shared publicly or on social media.
If you believe any authority is not following child-friendly procedures, raise the concern before the Board or Committee, approach the DLSA for assistance, and consider making a written complaint to the Superintendent of Police, the District Child Protection Unit, or the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
For non-emergency guidance, schedule a consultation with a Surendranagar-based juvenile law lawyer who regularly appears before the JJB and CWC. Local familiarity with district processes, officials, and timelines can significantly reduce delays and stress for the child and family.
