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Highlights
1. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud discusses juvenile justice at a symposium in Nepal.
2. He underscores the necessity of global cooperation to combat digital crimes involving minors.
3. Chandrachud highlights the importance of empathy and rehabilitation in justice systems for children.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud of India delivered a compelling keynote address at the National Symposium on Juvenile Justice in Kathmandu, Nepal, emphasizing the urgent need for international cooperation to tackle the rising tide of transnational digital crimes involving minors. His visit, at the invitation of Nepal’s Chief Justice Bishwombhar Prasad Shrestha, underscored the importance of adapting juvenile justice systems in response to rapid technological advancements.
In his address, Chief Justice Chandrachud articulated the complexities surrounding juvenile justice, highlighting the vulnerabilities that children face within societal systems. He pointed out that while children enter the world with innocence, they are often influenced by economic hardships, parental neglect, and peer pressure, which can lead them astray into legal conflicts. Chandrachud stressed the necessity of responding to juvenile justice with empathy, rehabilitation, and opportunities for reintegration into society.
A key concern addressed by Chief Justice Chandrachud was the evolving landscape of cybercrimes involving juveniles. With the rapid evolution of technology, young individuals are increasingly drawn into illicit activities such as hacking, cyberbullying, online fraud, and digital harassment. Chandrachud cited the infamous “Momo Challenge” hoax as an example of how juveniles can be susceptible to online dangers, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to educate and safeguard them in the digital age.
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The Chief Justice highlighted the importance of international collaboration in addressing these challenges. He emphasized the need to enhance mechanisms for international cooperation, including protocols for extradition, repatriation, and information sharing between law enforcement agencies. Chandrachud also stressed the significance of domestic-level initiatives, advocating for specific training in child protection rules to ensure all stakeholders within juvenile justice systems are equipped to safeguard the rights and well-being of children.
Furthermore, Chandrachud emphasized the importance of addressing underlying socio-economic factors contributing to juvenile delinquency. He advocated for a comprehensive approach that focuses on reformation rather than solely on offences committed by juveniles, underscoring the role of juvenile justice in shaping a fair and equitable society.
Chief Justice Shrestha of Nepal echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the progress made in juvenile justice within the country while also highlighting implementation challenges. He emphasized the paramount importance of delivering juvenile justice in a child-friendly manner that prioritizes the best interests and well-being of young individuals.
Nepal’s commitment to child rights, evident since becoming a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990, has led to significant strides in promoting child rights and reducing crime related to children. However, challenges remain in translating legal provisions into practice, as noted by Minister Padam Giri and Minister Bhagwati Chaudhary.
Beyond the symposium, Chief Justice Chandrachud’s visit to Nepal included cultural and spiritual experiences, reflecting the deep-rooted ties between India and Nepal. His visit to heritage sites such as the Pashupatinath Temple and various historical landmarks underscored the shared history and cultural richness of the region.
Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud emphasized the need for juvenile justice systems to adapt and enhance international cooperation to address the rising incidence of transnational digital crimes involving minors. During his visit to Nepal, he stressed the importance of recognizing the vulnerabilities of children in legal conflicts and ensuring that justice systems respond with empathy, rehabilitation, and opportunities for reintegration into society.
Chandrachud highlighted the evolving nature of technology, noting that juveniles are increasingly engaging in cybercrimes such as hacking, cyberbullying, online fraud, and digital harassment. He cited the “Momo Challenge” hoax as an example, underscoring the susceptibility of young individuals to online dangers.
The Chief Justice emphasized the importance of proactive measures, including digital literacy, responsible online behavior, and effective parental guidance, to mitigate cyber-related risks for juveniles. He called for enhanced international cooperation to address the transnational nature of digital crimes, advocating for protocols on extradition, repatriation, and information sharing among law enforcement agencies.
At the domestic level, Chandrachud stressed the need for specific training in child protection laws and practices to ensure all stakeholders in the juvenile justice system are equipped to safeguard children’s rights and well-being. He emphasized trauma-informed care and a comprehensive approach to juvenile delinquency that considers underlying socio-economic factors contributing to such behavior.
Chandrachud highlighted the role of juvenile justice in fostering a fair and equitable society by prioritizing reformative measures and providing access to rehabilitation and support services for young offenders. He advocated for strategies that prevent, intervene, and rehabilitate, aiming to build a more inclusive society that enables every child to realize their potential.
In conclusion, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud’s address in Nepal emphasized the pressing need for international cooperation and domestic reforms in juvenile justice systems to effectively address the challenges posed by transnational digital crimes involving minors. His insights and recommendations underscored the imperative of responding to juvenile justice with compassion, empathy, and a commitment to the well-being and reformation of young individuals within our societies.
