This news piece is based on ‘Draft framework for deciding if minor aged 16-18 can be tried as adult in cases of heinous crime in public domain’ published in The Times of India on January 05, 2023.  

Why in News?

Recently the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has prepared the draft guidelines laying out a broad uniform framework for preliminary assessment to determine whether a child in the 16-18 years age group alleged to have committed a ‘heinous crime’ may be tried as an adult under the children’s court.  

Background  

The Draft guidelines have been made in compliance with the Supreme Court directive issued on the matter last year.  

Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 

Under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 a specific section of a law states that juveniles charged with heinous crimes and who are between the ages of 16 to 18 years can be tried as adults.