CABINET NOD TO CHANGE JUVENILE ACT

New Delhi, April 22: Overruling the recommendations of a parliamentary panel, the government on Wednesday went ahead with a proposal to try juveniles in the age group of 16 to 18 years accused of heinous crimes under laws for adults.

“The Cabinet has approved amendments to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, whereby juveniles in the age group of 16-18 can be tried under Indian Penal Code (IPC) if they are accused of heinous crimes,” IT and communication minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters after the Cabinet meeting. The issue was brought before the Cabinet a fortnight ago. Rejecting the recommendations of a parliamentary standing committee, the women and child development ministry had decided to go ahead with the proposal. The SC had also observed that there was a need to relook at the provisions of Juvenile Justice Act in cases where the accused have committed crimes like rape, murder dacoity and acid attacks. —

Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday refuted that he had asked farmers not to depend on either god or government, two days after Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi quoted him as having said that at a farmers’ rally.

“I never said farmers should not depend on either god or government…,” Mr Gadkari said in the Lok Sabha, rebutting Mr Gandhi.

On Monday, Mr Gandhi had said members of an NGO had informed him that Mr Gadkari had told farmers that they should not depend on God and government. He had said he “admired” Mr Gadkari for his “honesty”.