Section 18 of JJ Act : Section 18: Orders Regarding Child Found To Be In Conflict With Law

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where a 15-year-old juvenile, Raj, is caught shoplifting a video game from a local store. This is classified as a petty offence. The Juvenile Justice Board conducts an inquiry and determines that Raj has committed the offence. Taking into account Raj's age, the nature of the offence, his socio-economic background detailed in the social investigation report, and the fact that this is his first offence, the Board decides to apply the provisions of Section 18 of The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

The Board opts for a rehabilitative approach rather than a punitive one. They order:

1. Raj to go home after receiving counselling and advice, along with his parents, emphasizing the consequences of his actions and the importance of making better choices in the future.
2. Additionally, Raj is directed to participate in group counselling sessions where he can interact with peers and learn from their experiences in a constructive manner.

The Board also decides that, to help Raj understand the impact of his actions on the community, he should perform community service. They:

3. Order Raj to perform a certain number of hours of community service, supervised by a local charity organization.

Furthermore, the Board encourages Raj to continue his education and as part of his rehabilitation process, they:

1. Require Raj to attend school regularly to ensure he does not fall behind in his studies due to this incident.

The Board believes these measures will help Raj learn from his mistake, improve his behavior, and prevent future offences.