New law will keep children and women safe in the future: Reactions to the Juvenile Justice Bill

Putting an end to a protracted legislative debate and a widespread public outcry, the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday passed the Juvenile Justice Bill. Under the new law, children between the ages of 16 years and 18 years who commit heinous crimes can now be tried as adults. While Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi gave an impassioned appeal to the lawmakers to pass the bill, several parties, including the CPM and NCP sought the bill to be sent to a select committee. However, the Trinamool Congress supported the bill and demanded that it should be made into law. [caption id=“attachment_2387982” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image. PTI[/caption] Here are some reactions to the passing of the bill: Maneka Gandhi, Women and Child Development Minister (BJP): I’m happy that everyone supported the Juvenile Justice Bill and want to thank everyone. Asha Devi, Jyoti Singh’s mother: At least, the new law will keep children and women safe in the future, but justice has not been done to our daughter. Badri Singh, Jyoti Singh’s father: Juvenile Justice Bill which has been passed in RS is a tribute to our daughter. Kailash Satyarthi, Children’s rights and education advocate: I welcome move to pass Juvenile Justice Bill & congratulate parliamentarians across parties in prioritizing children today. Swati Maliwal, Chief of National Commission for Women: Delayed but at least it happened, we welcome this. I want to congratulate all Nirbhaya’s in the country as this is one step forward towards justice. Venkaiah Naidu, Minister of Urban Development of India (BJP): Frankly speaking, because of public pressure and by seeing the public mood, today the discussion happened. The bill has been passed in Rajya Sabha, people will be happy with this, I am satisfied. Derek O’Brien (All India Trinamool Congress): We’re happy that bill has been passed, happy that TMC took lead in passing this. Rajyavardhan Rathore, MoS I&B (BJP): Delayed but happy that it finally got passed. Sitaram Yechury (CPM): I think the bill should have been sent to the Select Committee.