The juvenile justice amendment bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday. Following are some of its salient points:
* The bill permits juveniles between the ages of 16-18 years to be tried as adults for heinous offences.
* Juvenile Justice Boards and Child Welfare Committees would be constituted in each district.
* The juvenile justice board will conduct a preliminary inquiry to determine whether a juvenile offender is to be sent for rehabilitation or be tried as an adult and the child welfare committee will determine institutional care for children in need of care and protection.
* Eligibility of adoptive parents and the procedure for adoption have been included in the bill.
* Penalties for cruelty against a child, offering a narcotic substance to a child, and abduction or selling a child have been prescribed.