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Juvenile law in Surendranagar follows national law and Gujarat state rules designed to protect the rights and best interests of children. The central law is the Juvenile Justice Care and Protection of Children Act, 2015 with subsequent amendments and rules. It governs how the system responds to two broad categories of children - children in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection. Related laws that often apply include the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 and the new criminal law codes that took effect in 2024 - the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
In Surendranagar, juvenile justice is implemented through bodies such as the Juvenile Justice Board, the Child Welfare Committee, the District Child Protection Unit and the Special Juvenile Police Unit. Proceedings are child friendly, confidential and focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Children are never treated as adults except in limited circumstances defined by law, and even then strong safeguards apply.
This guide provides plain language information to help families in Surendranagar understand their options. It is general information - not legal advice.
You may need a juvenile law lawyer in Surendranagar if your child has been apprehended by the police or named in a First Information Report. A lawyer ensures the child is produced before the Juvenile Justice Board on time, seeks release on bail, and protects the child from unlawful detention or coercive interrogation. Early legal help can shape the course of the case, including diversion and rehabilitation plans.
Legal advice is also important if your child is a victim of an offence, including under the POCSO Act. A lawyer can help with filing or transferring a Zero FIR, ensuring child friendly procedures during statements and medical examination, claiming interim compensation, and coordinating with the Child Welfare Committee for protection services.
Families often consult lawyers for age determination disputes, school related incidents that attract police attention, internet or mobile related allegations, allegations of group fights or theft, or to navigate social media cases. Lawyers also assist with adoption and foster care under the juvenile justice framework, aftercare planning for children turning 18, and sealing or destroying records of juvenile proceedings when permissible.
Child definition and categories - A person under 18 years is a child. Children in conflict with law are those alleged to have committed an offence. Children in need of care and protection include abandoned, missing, abused, trafficked or vulnerable children. Different legal forums and procedures apply to each category.
Agencies in Surendranagar - The Juvenile Justice Board handles matters involving children in conflict with law. It typically includes a Principal Magistrate and two social worker members. The Child Welfare Committee handles care and protection cases, including rescue, restoration, foster care and adoption referrals. The Special Juvenile Police Unit and Child Welfare Police Officers are designated at police stations to handle cases involving children. The District Child Protection Unit coordinates services and schemes.
Apprehension and production - A child is not arrested like an adult. If apprehended, the child must be produced before the Juvenile Justice Board within 24 hours, excluding travel time. No child should be held in a police lock up. Interim placement is in an Observation Home or other fit facility as the Board directs. The police must inform parents or guardians promptly.
Bail and inquiry timelines - Release on bail is the rule under Section 12 of the JJ Act unless specific risks exist, such as exposure to known criminals or danger. The Board should complete inquiry within four months of first production, extendable for recorded reasons. A Social Investigation Report by a Probation Officer or Child Welfare Officer guides rehabilitation measures.
Heinous offences by 16 to 18 year olds - For alleged heinous offences, the Board conducts a preliminary assessment of the child’s capacity to commit and understand consequences and the circumstances of the offence. Only in limited cases may the matter be transferred to a Children’s Court for trial with additional safeguards. Even then, children cannot be sentenced to death or life imprisonment without possibility of release. Placement in a place of safety and periodic review are mandated.
Victim protection under POCSO - Mandatory reporting, child friendly statement recording, presence of a trusted adult, speedy trial in special courts, and confidentiality of identity are key features. The police must inform the Child Welfare Committee within 24 hours for support services.
New criminal procedure context - While juvenile proceedings are governed by the JJ Act and rules, police investigation and general criminal procedure now reference the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and substantive offences reference the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Your lawyer will align juvenile protections with these procedures.
Confidentiality and records - The identity of a child involved in juvenile proceedings must not be disclosed. Records are kept confidential and may be destroyed or sealed as per law to avoid stigma.
Local facilities and support - Surendranagar district level institutions include the Juvenile Justice Board and the Child Welfare Committee, often functioning from the district court or administrative campus. Children may be placed in the nearest government run Observation Home or Place of Safety as directed by the Board. The District Legal Services Authority provides free legal aid to eligible children and families.
The child must be handled by the Child Welfare Police Officer, not kept in a lock up, and produced before the Juvenile Justice Board within 24 hours. Parents or guardians must be informed. The Board decides on bail and interim care, usually an Observation Home or release to guardians with conditions.
No. Children are not to be kept in police lock ups or prisons during inquiry and should never be handcuffed. If any such treatment occurs, inform the Juvenile Justice Board, the Special Juvenile Police Unit or the District Legal Services Authority immediately.
Yes. Release on bail is the norm under the JJ Act unless release is likely to bring the child into contact with known criminals, expose the child to danger, or defeat the ends of justice. The Board can impose supervision, counseling, school attendance, or other conditions.
Age determination follows a hierarchy of documents such as birth certificate or school records. If unavailable or inconclusive, medical tests like ossification may be ordered. Until age is determined, the benefit of doubt typically goes in favor of treating the person as a child.
Only in limited cases of alleged heinous offences and only after the Juvenile Justice Board conducts a detailed preliminary assessment of capacity and circumstances. Even if transferred to a Children’s Court, special protections apply, and sentences like death or life without possibility of release are prohibited.
Under POCSO, statements are recorded in a child friendly manner, identity is kept confidential, medical care is provided, and trials are expedited in special courts. The police must inform the Child Welfare Committee for support and protection. Interim compensation may be available under victim compensation schemes.
Having a lawyer is very helpful to safeguard rights, seek bail, contest facts, and craft a rehabilitation plan. Free legal aid is available through the District Legal Services Authority for children and eligible families.
The JJ Act aims to complete inquiries within four months from first production, extendable by the Board for reasons recorded. Timelines can vary based on evidence, assessments, and rehabilitation planning. Your lawyer can seek speedy hearings.
Juvenile records are confidential and disclosure of the child’s identity is prohibited. Orders focus on rehabilitation. In many cases, records can be sealed or destroyed as per law to reduce long term impact. You should keep certified copies of final orders safely for future reference without public disclosure.
You can insist on registering a Zero FIR at any police station and request transfer to the correct jurisdiction. Ask for assistance from the Special Juvenile Police Unit. If needed, approach senior police officers or seek help from a lawyer or the District Legal Services Authority.
Juvenile Justice Board Surendranagar - Handles cases of children in conflict with law. Located at the district headquarters. Contact through the District Court information desk or the Special Juvenile Police Unit.
Child Welfare Committee Surendranagar - Handles children in need of care and protection, including victims of abuse, abandonment or trafficking. Usually functions from the district administrative campus. Approach through the District Child Protection Unit or local police.
District Child Protection Unit Surendranagar - Coordinates child protection services, fit facilities, foster care, sponsorship and aftercare. Families and NGOs can approach for assistance and referrals.
Special Juvenile Police Unit and Child Welfare Police Officers - Available at the district and police station levels to ensure child friendly procedures during investigation.
District Legal Services Authority Surendranagar - Offers free legal aid, lawyer appointments and counseling for eligible children and families. Front office typically located in the District Court complex.
Childline 1098 - 24 by 7 emergency helpline for children in need of care and protection. Can facilitate rescue, shelter and coordination with the Child Welfare Committee.
Gujarat State Commission for Protection of Child Rights - State level body for policy, complaints and monitoring of child rights.
One Stop Center and District Hospital services - For emergency medical care and psychosocial support for victims of violence, including coordination with police and the Child Welfare Committee.
Ensure the child’s immediate safety and emotional support. If the child is apprehended, request presence of a parent or responsible adult and ask for the Child Welfare Police Officer. Keep calm and avoid pressuring the child to make statements without legal guidance.
Contact a juvenile law knowledgeable lawyer or the District Legal Services Authority for free legal aid. Share all available documents such as birth certificate, school ID, medical records, and any notices or summons. Accurate age proof is critical.
Attend the first Juvenile Justice Board hearing promptly. Ask your lawyer to seek release on bail, request a Social Investigation Report, and propose a rehabilitation plan that includes schooling, counseling and community support. If the child is a victim, request child friendly measures and protection through the Child Welfare Committee.
Follow all conditions set by the Board, maintain regular school or vocational attendance, and participate in counseling if directed. Document all interactions and keep copies of orders. If you face delays or difficulties, your lawyer can file appropriate applications for speedy inquiry or modification of conditions.
For emergencies, call 1098 for child assistance or approach the nearest police station and ask for the Child Welfare Police Officer. For ongoing support, stay in touch with the District Child Protection Unit and your legal aid lawyer.
This guide is for general information only. For advice on your situation in Surendranagar, consult a qualified lawyer or the District Legal Services Authority.
