Jammu & Kashmir State Judicial Academy organized one day special training programme on “Law relating to Juveniles under Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2013 and Rules framed thereunder” for Chief Judicial Magistrates and Judicial Magistrates of Jammu province here today.The programme aimed at strengthening Judicial Institutions with focus on imparting necessary skills was held under the patronage of Chief Patron of State Judicial Academy and Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu and Kashmir, Mr. Justice N. Paul Vasanthakumar, besides Chairman Justice Muzaffar Hussain Attar, and member Justice Janak Raj Kotwal, Member of the State Judicial Academy.Director, State Judicial Academy Abdul Rashid Malik conducted the proceedings of the event. He said that these training programmes provide a platform to the experts and judicial officers to ponder upon crucial issues and exchange valuable experiences and knowledge. He further informed that Juvenile Justice Board is likely to be constituted soon to facilitate exercising of powers and duties under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2013 and Rules framed there under. The Judicial Magistrates with more than 5 years experience will be designated as Principal Magistrate of the Board, he added.
The Director extended warm welcome to Justice Janak Raj Kotwal, Judge, High Court of Jammu and Kashmir Member, J&K State Judicial Academy and Justice J.P. Singh, former Judge, High Court of Jammu and Kashmir Member, State Accountability Commission for their valuable contribution in the event.Justice Janak Raj Kotwal gave overview of the programme and explained in detail various provisions of Jammu & Kashmir Juvenile Justice Act, 2013 and emphasized upon all the Judicial Officers to ensure that the provisions of the Act are implemented in letter and spirit. He said real purpose of the Act should be achieved in its right perspective as the objective of the Act is to provide proper care, treatment and protection to the juveniles in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection.Justice J.P. Singh made a presentation on the Cannons of Judicial Ethics which the Judicial Officers have to observe in and outside the court as the people have trust and confidence upon the Judiciary and always judge the judges by their conduct and behaviour. He stressed upon the Judicial Officers that while implementing the provision of the Act, they should allow their humane side to come in fore front and ensure that the beneficial provisions are given harmonious interpretation so as to ensure that juveniles in conflict with law are rehabilitated back into the society with respect and dignity. Further, he exhorted upon them to act as torch bearers in implementation of this social welfare legislation in order to ensure that these juveniles in conflict with law who are the future of this nation are put on a path of progress and development and their energies are channelized for betterment of the nation.
Meanwhile, an interactive session with the officers regarding misconception and confusions about the procedure to be adopted under the Juvenile Justice Act was held. The impediments which are likely to come in implementation of the Act were discussed and the learned Magistrates were emphasised upon to deal with the provisions with a positive mind set as child cannot be treated like ordinary criminal.In the concluding session, Director, State Judicial Academy, made a presentation of the case law laid down by the Supreme Court and High Court of Jammu and Kashmir for the last 16 years relating to juveniles. Copies of the case law were also provided to the Judicial Officers to equip them with the development of law on juvenile justice.