Yes, in certain circumstances, a minor accused of a heinous offence can be tried as an adult in India, under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. Specifically, this applies to minors between 16 and 18 years of age who are accused of heinous offences. A "heinous offence" is defined as one for which the minimum punishment under the Indian Penal Code is seven years or more.
Yes, under Indian law, a minor can be tried as an adult for heinous offences, but only under specific conditions and through a defined legal process.
Legal Framework
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 allows for juveniles aged 16 to 18 years who are accused of committing a heinous offence (defined as crimes with a minimum punishment of 7 years or more) to be tried as adults
Yes, under Indian law, a minor aged 16 to 18 can be tried as an adult for heinous crimes like murder or rape. The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, allows this if a Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) conducts a preliminary assessment. This assessment evaluates the minor's mental and physical capacity, understanding of the crime's consequences, and the circumstances surrounding the offence. If the JJB finds sufficient grounds, it can transfer the case to a Children's Court, which may impose adult-level punishments. However, the law prohibits sentencing a minor to death or life imprisonment. The aim is to balance accountability with rehabilitation, ensuring the minor's rights are protected while addressing the severity of the crime.
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