Nagpur Police Issue SOP to Address Rising Heinous Crimes by Juveniles, Allowing Treatment as Adults

Time of India

2 days ago

Nagpur: In response to a surge in heinous crimes committed by minors, the Nagpur city police have introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to streamline the process of treating juvenile offenders as adults in specific cases.
Issued on April 22, 2025, by deputy commissioner of police (crime) Rahul Maknikar under the guidance of police commissioner Ravinder Singal, the SOP aligns with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, aiming to balance juvenile rehabilitation with public safety.
The SOP outlines a structured approach for handling juveniles aged 16 and above accused of heinous offences — crimes carrying a minimum punishment of seven years or more, such as murder, rape, or terrorism-related acts.
According to the guidelines, within 10 days of a juvenile being presented before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), the investigating officer must coordinate with the JJB to determine whether the juvenile should be tried as an adult.
This decision hinges on a preliminary assessment under Section 15 of the Act, evaluating the juvenile's mental and physical capacity, awareness of consequences, and the circumstances of the offense.
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The SOP emphasizes thorough documentation, requiring officers to compile the juvenile's criminal history, evidence of premeditation, birth certificate, and supporting materials like CCTV footage or social media posts. Mental and physical assessments, conducted at govt medical hospitals, further inform whether the juvenile should face adult proceedings. If the JJB deems it appropriate, the case is transferred to a sessions court (special children's court) under Section 18(3), where the public prosecutor argues for adult trial proceedings, as outlined in section 19(1)(i).
"The rising involvement of minors in heinous crimes demands a robust framework to ensure justice while adhering to legal provisions. This SOP ensures accountability without compromising the rehabilitative spirit of juvenile justice," said an official, adding that the goal is to expedite inquiries and maintain transparency, ensuring that serious offenders face appropriate consequences. The SOP also mandates monthly reporting, with police stations required to submit detailed tables to the commissioner's office by the first Monday of each month.
This facilitates real-time monitoring of juvenile crime trends and compliance with the SOP. The guidelines reflect a proactive response to incidents like the March 2025 Nagpur violence, where seven minors were among 50 arrested, highlighting the growing challenge of juvenile delinquency.
Legal experts have welcomed the SOP but caution against its misuse. "While the SOP strengthens the system, it must ensure that juveniles are not unfairly pushed into adult courts without comprehensive assessments, as rehabilitation remains the Act's core principle," said a legal expert. The Nagpur police's SOP marks a significant step in addressing the complex issue of juvenile crime, balancing stringent measures with the protective ethos of the Juvenile Justice Act.
As the city grapples with evolving crime patterns, this framework aims to deter serious offenses while safeguarding the rights of young offenders.