The Juvenile Release Of The Nirbhaya's Case Stirred Up Sentiment In All Levels

The recent release of the juvenile convict of the Nirbhaya case has brewed up serious controversies in

the various social segments, thus encouraged Rajya Sabha to pass the Juvenile Justice Bill, which is likely to bring essential amends in the Juvenile law, that will include similar trial procedure as adults for the juveniles belonging to the age group 16 and 18, if they are accused with heinous crimes like murder and rape.

The Congress and the Samajwadi Party, who were previously walked in the opposite direction is apparently bowing down to the rising sentiment.  Following this, they had not only withdrew their bill, but had also given their consent for the bill to sail through. The Juvenile Law has also won support from the Trinamool Congress, with TMC lawmaker Derek O' Brien saying that if Nirbhaya had been his daughter, he would have shot the rapist to death. On the contrary, the members of Left, walked out, with Sitaram Yechury saying legislations should not be passed on "sentiments alone". 

In addition to the political parties, noted newspaper Times of India has taken proactive steps to support the law and the concept that says, a convict, irrespective of his age will be tried according to the severity of offense, not just their age.

The new law also protects the rights of juvenile victims, apart from taking care of the issues relating to adoption as well as foster care.

The presence of Nirbhaya's parents in the Rajya Sabha made the case even more difficult and strong at the same time. They were present in person in the visitors' gallery during the five-hour debate in the Rajya Sabha before the bill was passed by voice vote. They even met the Congress President Rahul Gandhi and minister of state for parliamentary affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.

According to Maneka Gandhi, who herself introduced the  bill  had made a plea saying the amendments in the law will put a check to the  juvenile crime, which is reportedly the most affected age group.

"It's a compassionate bill which will at the same time act as a deterrent," she said. However, the  minister also said that the  juvenile convict will not be directly transported to the jail, instead he will be checked if he has committed the crime in  the frame of mind of an adult  by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB).

"The bill was started by you (Congress), finished by us but it is a matter of the whole House," the minister said.