Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 428/14

WORKSHOP ON SENSITIZATION OF POLICE ON JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM

Shillong, October 18, 2014: A two day workshop on Sensitization of Police on Juvenile Justice System got underway today at the Yojana Bhavan, Shillong where Hon’ble Mr. Justice Madan B Lokur, Judge, Supreme Court of India was the Chief Guest. The programme was organized by the Committee on Juvenile Justice (JJ), Meghalaya Chapter in collaboration with Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority, Department of Social Welfare and Office of Director General of Police.

In his inaugural speech, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Madan Lokur said that the police unit is the first to come in contact with children in conflict with law, victims of crime and abandoned children and therefore, it is important for them to be sensitized. He stressed that the North Eastern Police Academy (NEPA) has an important role and responsibility in this and urge the department to train them about Juvenile Justice.

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Lokur called upon all the related departments to work in convergence for protecting the needs and rights of a child and thereby creating a child friendly environment while delivering justice to them.

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Uma Nath Singh, Chief Justice (Acting), High Court of Meghalaya explained that the scheme is not only designed to give awareness about the provisions of Juvenile Justice but also to love children. He said that the provisions provide legal and counseling support needed for the protection of the child and advised them to be careful while implementing the provisions of the Act.

Hon’ble Mr. Justice T Nandakumar Singh, Judge, High Court of Meghalaya and Executive Chairman, Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority explained in brief the laws and provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000. According to the provisions the State Legal Services Authorities were to ensure that Juvenile Justice Boards (JJB) and Child Welfare Committee (CWC) are functional with required facilities. He also mentioned that as per the provisions there shall be Special Juvenile Justice Police Unit in order to enable police officers who frequently deal with Juveniles or are primarily engaged in the prevention of Juvenile crime under Act to perform their functions more effectively shall be trained and instructed.

“Caring for our children is not only obligation but also a duty owed to the society and are responsible to ensure protection against exploitation of our children”, said Hon’ble Mr. Justice Singh. Hon’ble Mr. Justice S R Sen, Judge, Meghalaya High Court & Chairman, Juvenile Justice Committee, Meghalaya Chapter highlighted about the formation of the Juvenile Justice Act which ensures protection for children.

Earlier in the programme, Meghalaya Director General of Police, Mr. P J P Hanaman welcomed the gathering while Mr. Noor Ain Khan, Member Secretary, Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority delivered the vote of thanks.