Juvenile Justice Board
Full Form of JJB
What is JJB?
The Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) is a quasi-judicial body established under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 in India, which replaced the earlier Juvenile Justice Act of 2000. Its primary function is to adjudicate cases involving minors (children below 18 years) who are in conflict with the law, known as alleged juveniles. The JJB is responsible for determining whether a child has committed an offense and, if so, decides on appropriate rehabilitation and restorative measures rather than punitive imprisonment. It operates at the district level, typically comprising a Metropolitan Magistrate or Judicial Magistrate of the first class, along with two social workers, one of whom is a woman, to ensure a child-friendly and welfare-oriented approach. The board conducts preliminary assessments of the child's mental and physical capacity, and ensures that the principles of natural justice and child rights are upheld throughout proceedings. In the Indian context, the JJB plays a crucial role in diverting children away from the criminal justice system and towards reformative services such as counseling, education, and vocational training. It is also empowered to order placement in observation homes or special homes. For competitive exams like the UPSC Civil Services or State Judicial Services, questions often focus on the composition, powers, and functions of the JJB under the JJ Act, along with its distinction from the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
JJB का फुल फॉर्म
किशोर न्याय बोर्ड
Example
The Juvenile Justice Board in Delhi recently disposed of a case involving a 16-year-old accused of theft by issuing a restoration order with counseling and community service.