Fadnavis: Maharashtra to seek juvenile age limit of 16, invoke MCOCA against gangs using minors

The Maharashtra government will send a proposal to the Centre to reduce the age limit for juveniles from 18 years to 16 years Chief Minister CM Devendra Fadnavis informed the legislative assembly on Tuesday news agency IANS reportedThe move is aimed at ensuring stricter action against those who exploit children for criminal activities and drug distributionHe also noted that under the existing law and Supreme Court rulings children above the age of 16 can already be tried as adults in certain heinous offences such as murder and rape after following the prescribed legal process However any broader change in the age limit can only be made by the Central government he added when asked about age limitSpeaking during a discussion on the rising trend of juvenile delinquency Fadnavis said the government is also considering legal amendments to make it easier to act against gangs and individuals who use minors to commit crimes news agency PTI reportedMCOCA to be invoked against gangs using minors for crimeThe Maharashtra government will invoke the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act MCOCA against gangs that use minors to commit crimes Fadnavis said in the assemblyIf any ganglike activity is established provisions of the MCOCA will be invoked against those using minors to commit offences he told the HouseFadnavis added that not only gangs but also those who encourage minors or provide them with weapons money or logistical support will also face action even if they are not present at the crime scene under the organised crime law if a gang nexus is establishedMCOCA enacted in 1999 gives investigating agencies wider powers to act against organised crime syndicates and their networks reported the news agencyHighlevel committee to study juvenile crimeFadnavis announced that a highlevel committee will be constituted to carry out a scientific study of the increasing involvement of juveniles in crimeThere are instances where children are being induced with money and used to commit crimes We take this seriously he saidThe committee will examine the reasons behind the trend recommend measures that can be implemented by the state government and identify legal changes that need to be pursued with the CentreNo organised crime angle in Jalna Latur casesResponding to concerns raised by legislator Arjun Khotkar over the rising juvenile crimes in Jalna district Fadnavis clarified that the eight murder cases cited by legislators were largely the result of family disputes and not linked to organised criminal gangsHe also stated that the recent Latur incident was a personal matter arising out of a family dispute The juveniles whose involvement has been established have been produced before the Juvenile Justice Board and the investigation is continuingHowever the CM acknowledged that criminal syndicates were increasingly taking advantage of provisions under the Juvenile Justice Act under which children are sent to observation homes instead of being arrestedKhotkar alleged that gangs were recruiting minors for crimes illegal liquor trade and narcotics trafficking because they received protection under juvenile laws He also urged the government to conduct crime mapping in Jalna and ensure counselling for juveniles after their release from observation homesPreventive measures underwayMinister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam said the government is already implementing several preventive and rehabilitation measures to curb juvenile delinquencyPolice are conducting awareness campaigns counselling sessions cyber safety programmes and deaddiction workshops for students parents and teachers in schools and collegesRegular patrolling and preventive action are being carried out in sensitive areasSpecial Juvenile Police Units have been set up across the state under the Juvenile Justice Care and Protection of Children Act 2015 Through these units the CARE Counselling and Reformative Education programme is being implemented to rehabilitate children in conflict with the law and help reintegrate them into societyThe government is also focusing on the education counselling personality development and rehabilitation of children staying in observation homesWith IANS PTI Inputs