As the debate intensifies over the impending release of the juvenile convict in the December 2012 gangrape case, The Quint continues its investigations into the Observation Home and the Juvenile Justice Board.
On 31 October, we reported the authorities’ concerns that the juvenile convict has shown no remorse for his act. We now learn that he’s fearful of leaving the Observation Home. However, he’s not keen to be lodged at an NGO either.
He is scared to move out of the Observation Home because he knows that the mob will kill him and society will never accept him. He remains quiet. It’s difficult to say what’s going on in his mind.Counsellor, Observation Home
Indian laws do not allow for juvenile convicts to be kept behind bars. But questions remain on what’s next for this man (he is no longer a minor). Can he lead a normal life?
A few weeks ago, his lawyer wrote a letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs requesting them to arrange for him to conceal his identity.
We have requested the government to arrange for some kind job to him even it requires concealing his real identity. All of us know that people may shy away from giving him a job. The government should come forward to help him lead a normal life.AP Singh, Juvenile’s Lawyer
The Juvenile Justice Board has not yet taken any decision whether or not the juvenile convict should be housed in ‘After Care’. Sources say that Observation Homes do not have the facility to train inmates in skill development. As a result, many juvenile inmates after the release are not left with much choice to earn a living. Some are also forced to take the path of crime.
Meanwhile, the juvenile convict’s mother, who is worried about his safety, wants to take him back to their native village.
The juvenile’s mother wants to take him back to their village Badaun in UP. She feels he could manage a job there.AP Singh, Juvenile’s Lawyer
Amod Kanth, who runs the Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre, says that he organises several development workshops. He adds that these workshops could help the juvenile convict in securing a job.
Nobody can force him to join the workshop. After his release, he is a free man. But these workshops would certainly help him in the future. Yes, his security would be concern for us if he is lodged at Prayas.Amod Kanth, General Secretary, Prayas
Sources tell The Quint that the centre and the state government are trying to find a way out to detain the juvenile convict at an NGO after his release from the Observation Home. But legal experts are clear that he cannot be forced to live anywhere.
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