Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 6: BJP MP Manoj Tiwari has said he will introduce a Private Member’s Bill in the Lok Sabha proposing to lower the juvenile age from 18 to 14 years for prosecution in heinous crimes under the Juvenile Justice Act 2015.

Speaking to the media, Tiwari expressed concern over the growing involvement of teenagers in serious offences. He said that offenders aged between 15 and 17 were increasingly misusing the law and escaping stringent punishment due to the existing juvenile protection framework.

Citing cases from Delhi and across the country, Tiwari said crimes such as murder and assault committed by juveniles were becoming a matter of serious public concern. Referring to an instance he claimed to be aware of, he said a minor accused of three murders was repeatedly sent to a correction home but continued to commit crimes after release.

“This must be taken into consideration,” Tiwari said, adding that his bill aims to ensure that offenders committing heinous crimes cannot evade law enforcement simply due to their age.

Recent incidents have intensified the debate. In Gurugram last month, a 17-year-old reportedly shot his schoolmate with his father’s licensed firearm. In another case in October, Delhi Police arrested three juveniles in an attempted murder case in Patel Nagar, where a gang rivalry led to a violent knife attack, leaving one youth severely injured.

Tiwari said he regularly identifies crucial issues for his Private Member’s Bills, and this — he stressed — is one of the most urgent. He insisted that the proposal is necessary to protect society and ensure accountability, even for younger offenders involved in grave crimes.