Question

Arrange the following components of Juvenile Justice System in India, conceptually from the beginning:
A. Apprehension of child
B. Producing before the Juvenile Justice Board
C. Social Investigation Report
D. Final Order

• A. A $\rightarrow$ B $\rightarrow$ C $\rightarrow$ D
• B. A $\rightarrow$ C $\rightarrow$ B $\rightarrow$ D
• C. B $\rightarrow$ C $\rightarrow$ D $\rightarrow$ A
• D. B $\rightarrow$ A $\rightarrow$ C $\rightarrow$ D

Hint:

The Juvenile Justice system focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Terms like “apprehension” are used instead of “arrest” to make the process child-friendly.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:

• The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, prescribes a specific legal procedure for children in conflict with the law.
• The process is designed to be restorative and rehabilitative rather than punitive.
• Time-bound procedures ensure that the child's rights are protected at every stage of the legal process.

Step 1: Apprehension of the child
The process begins when a child alleged to be in conflict with the law is apprehended by the Special Juvenile Police Unit or the local police. The police must immediately inform the parents/guardians and a Probation Officer. Thus, A is the first stage.

Step 2: Production before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB)
As per the law, the child must be produced before the JJB within 24 hours of apprehension. The Board determines whether the child should be sent to an observation home or released on bail to the parents. Thus, B follows A.

Step 3: Submission of Social Investigation Report (SIR)
Once the child is produced, the Board directs a Probation Officer or a Child Welfare Officer to conduct a social investigation. The SIR provides details about the child's background, family circumstances, and the environment that led to the alleged offense. Thus, C follows B.

Step 4: Passing the Final Order
After considering the evidence and the Social Investigation Report, the JJB passes a final order. This order could involve discharge, community service, a fine, or sending the child to a special home for rehabilitation. Thus, D is the final stage.

Step 5: Final sequence verification
The conceptual sequence is Apprehension $\rightarrow$ Production $\rightarrow$ Investigation $\rightarrow$ Order. This matches the order A-B-C-D in option (A).