Page 95 - Veritas

FEATURE ARTICLES

CHILD CRIMES

Ms. Riya Raj C A

Abstract:
Abstract:
Infancy is regarded as one of the most crucial and significant stages in
the development of a human. When a child lacks adequate attention and

physical touch during this time they tend to suffer personality disorders in
the future. We have come across different cases where a child below the

age of 12-14 engages in criminal activities. In India, every year there are
about 42,000 cases registered of children below the age of 18 for killing,

raping and theft. About 613 crimes are booked under kids below the age
of 12. Due to the emerging involvement of juveniles in crime, lawmakers

are compelled to come forward with new and stricter laws for the juvenile
system in the country. There have been many theories over the past years

about how a person becomes a serial killer, and how having an unstable
childhood affects a person. From Amarjeet Sada to Mary Bell, we have

heard the stories of the depth of criminal behaviour in children. Apart from
the socio-economic factors which affect the growth of kids which turn

them into criminals at an early age, there is also some trauma that they
face due to isolation and relationships.

Introduction:
Introduction:
Child crimes are one of the crimes that are little addressed and are those
which should be taken seriously to build a healthy society. India stands as

one of the top countries which report child crime cases daily. We come across
the news of different child criminals under theft, assault and rape cases.

In the 2012 Delhi gang-rape case, the main
accused was a juvenile. The other accused in

the case got the death penalty but the minor
was sent to remand home under the juvenile

justice act. Similarly in the Shakthi mill case,
the accused were four adults and a juvenile.

Is the mental instability of juveniles caused
by trauma, the reason that the juvenile justice

act is not rightly implemented?

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