Jammu, Nov 12: Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey, on Saturday said the Juvenile Justice System in the two union territories is gaining pace and has arrived at satisfying results in implementing POCSO Act in letter and spirit.
He said that due to efforts of JJC of Supreme Court of India and JJC of J&K and Ladakh, the UTs of J&K and Ladakh are not lagging with the rest of the country, but a lot is required to be done by creating a robust mechanism.
Justice Magrey was speaking as a chief guest at a two-day consultation on implementation of POCSO Act 2012 here organized by Justice Committee, High Court of J&K and Ladakh in collaboration with Department of Social Welfare, UTs of J&K and Ladakh and supported by UNICEF.
Justice Tashi Rabstan, Chairman, Juvenile Justice Committee, Justice Rajnesh Oswal and Justice Mohammad Akram Chowdhary, members of JJ Committee were the guests of honour.
Justice Magrey delved into the journey of the juvenile justice system and also POCSO Act, 2012, in the country especially the UTs of J&K and Ladakh.
Justice Tashi Rabstan urged upon the government to organize more such consultations not only at UT level but at the district and block levels also to make the people aware about the provisions of the legislation. He said that the aim of this conference is to review working of various institutions involved in carrying out the provisions of the Act.
Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare Department, Sheetal Nanda emphasized the need for holding awareness camps to make not only the children but the parents also aware about the behavior and attitude of the people who are likely to commit offences against the children. She said the conference is a welcome opportunity where all the stakeholders can deliberate upon the provisions of the POCSO Act.
Chief of Child Protection UNICEF India, Soledad Herrero, commended the High Court of J&K and Ladakh for playing a proactive role in implementing not only the Juvenile Justice Act but also POCSO Act. She said there is a need for greater deliberations over the issues of victims of child abuse.
Member Secretary, Juvenile Justice Committee, Amit Gupta, in his welcome address gave an overview of the programme. He said that this is for the first time that consultations on POCSO Act are being organized by the JJ Committee because earlier all the four Round Table Conferences were on the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection) Act.
