When the judgment in the Nirbhaya rape case came out, there was a huge uproar among the masses and the media over the sentence given to the minor involved in the case. The boy who was referred to as “nabalig" along the course of the trial was the one accused of committing the most gruesome acts in the events that took place on that fateful December night.

The boy next door

Now this might seem highly unlikely but is something that can happen to anyone. Despite legal restrictions, it is a known fact that minor below the age of 18 and as young as 16 are embracing sexuality in our country. Around 10% of teens admitted to having sex by the time they were 15. The argument put up by activists is based on the possibility that a teen couple “sexually experimenting” can also land behind bars as even consensual sex with anyone below the age of 18 is seen as rape as per the law. Serving time in jail is certainly a bit harsh for a teenager seeking to satisfy new found curiosities.

Source: The New Indian Express

Minors in conflict zones

It is not hidden that the police have been involved in harassing and illegally detaining a lot of people in conflict zones. Such tales of police brutality and misuse of laws against those picked up merely on suspicion are emerging out of the Naxal affected belt in Chhattisgarh and neighbouring states. Child detainees are a large number among those put behind bars by the police and ensuring the protection of child rights might become even more difficult if these changes are introduced. In a conflict zone it may be a huge risk to allow children as young as 16 to be booked as adults.

Source: The Times of India