Create job opportunities for juvenile offenders: CJI

CUTTACK

: Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra on Sunday stressed that the government should take measures to ensure employment opportunities to

juvenile offenders

as it will help them return to the mainstream.

Misra, while speaking at a conference organised on “Juvenile justice; issues and challenges” at the

Odisha Judicial Academy

in Cuttack, also urged corporate houses to do their bit in providing employments to the juveniles offenders.

“Some source of employment has to be provided to the children in conflict with the law so that they come back to the mainstream and don’t commit crimes again,” said Misra.

“It is the duty of the government and also a factor of corporate responsibility to create employment opportunities for such children,” added the CJI.

Misra expressed concern over the matter that juvenile offenders after completing their period in observation homes have hardly any place to go. He said that measures should be taken for proper rehabilitation of such children.

On the occasion, the CJI also said that collective effort by judiciary and state machinery is required to ensure proper implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act.

Referring to a study, Misra said that many juvenile offenders commit crimes under the influence of drugs. So, he stressed that adequate focus should be given towards the de-addiction programmes for such juveniles.

Addressing the gathering comprising juvenile justice board members, magistrates, police officials and child welfare committee officials, the CJI emphasized that while hearing the cases of juveniles, the magistrates should not get carried away by their own individual emotions.

“Members of the board and magistrates should not be swayed away by their emotions. Rather they need to have a rational approach and be guided by parameters, rules and guidelines of the Juvenile Justice Act while deciding such cases,” he said.

Misra also participated in the 'bhoomi pujan' ceremony of a judicial court complex in Bhubaneswar. Chief minister Naveen Patnaik also attended the programme and said that his government is regularly making provisions for creating adequate judicial infrastructures in the state.

Patnaik further added that recently three commercial courts have been established in the state with an aim to create investor friendly atmosphere.