New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led cabinet cleared a proposal to try juveniles in the age group of 16-18 under laws for adults for heinous crimes.
On April 06, the Supreme Court had said that there was a need to re-examine various laws dealing with juveniles involved in heinous crimes like murder and rape and had asked the government to see whether necessary changes could be done to have a deterrent effect.
The Juvenile Justice Act has come under scrutiny since the fatal gang rape of a 23-year-old woman on a Delhi bus in December 2012 by six assailants, one of whom was 17 years old.
While one of the perpetrators committed suicide in jail and four others were sentenced to death, the teenager was given three years in a juvenile home, sparking debate over whether India is too soft on young offenders.