Evaluation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill, 2021

Law

The Juvenile Justice Act amendment is making it more complicated to report abuse in child care institutions by making abuse and cruelty by employees or persons in charge of child care institutions a non-cognizable offence. The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill, 2021 was passed to amend various provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. According to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, the adoption of a child is complete after civil court orders an adoption. The bill provides that instead of the court, the district magistrate (including the additional district magistrate) will issue the adoption orders. These amendments include authorizing district magistrates, including additional district magistrates, to issue adoption orders under Section 61 of the JJ Act, to ensure speedy disposal of cases and increase accountability. Under the Act, the District Magistrates have been given more powers to ensure its smooth implementation as well as to make coordinated efforts in favor of children in times of distress. As per the amended provisions of the Act, any child care institution shall be registered only after considering the recommendations of the District Magistrate. The District Magistrate will independently evaluate the functioning of District Child Protection Units, Child Welfare Committees, Juvenile Justice Boards, Special Juvenile Police Units, Child Care Institutions etc.

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