Kochi: Jain University Director Tom Joseph has launched ‘Bhadrapaksham’, a nationwide public campaign seeking comprehensive reforms to India’s juvenile justice laws, including a proposal to lower the age of criminal liability to 15. The campaign was inspired by Bhadrakeerthi, daughter of Jayabalakrishnan, a street-food vendor who was killed after being hit by a Mercedes-Benz driven by a 17-year-old. Her appeal for a reconsideration of the legal protections available to minors involved in serious crimes prompted the initiative.
The campaign aims to collect signatures and public opinions from over one lakh citizens. A petition will subsequently be submitted to the Union Ministries of Law and Justice and Women and Child Development. “Children today grow up in a vastly different environment, with significant changes in their mental and social development. Several countries have revised their juvenile justice laws, while India needs to re-examine its existing framework. An urgent review is long overdue,” said Tom Joseph.
Bhadrakeerthi said she hoped the campaign would help prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedies. She and Tom Joseph appealed to citizens across the country to support the initiative and join the movement for legislative reform.
