By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Bihar Police have introduced a new guideline to align with the Juvenile Justice Act, emphasising a protective approach for minors involved in minor offences. As per the directive, no FIR will be registered against children and adolescents under 18 for crimes carrying penalties of less than seven years. Instead, details of these cases will be recorded only in the station diary. FIRs will be lodged against minors solely in cases involving heinous crimes with punishments exceeding seven years. This guideline has been circulated to police officials at IG, DIG, SSP, and SP levels.
The Bihar Police Headquarters has outlined a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure police officers adhere to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015.
The guidelines from the Crime Investigation Department clarify that minors apprehended on legal charges must be presented before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJ Board) with a detailed report justifying their detention. Additionally, minors will not be held in lockup or handcuffed; instead, they will be placed in a room with a child-friendly environment. The District Legal Services Authority will also be notified to provide free legal aid to these children.
At the district level, Special Juvenile Police Units (SJPU) have been established to care for and protect vulnerable children. Each unit will be led by a DSP or higher-ranking police officer. Additionally, a Child Welfare Police Officer (CWPO) will be designated at each police station, with this role assigned to an assistant sub-inspector with expertise in child-related issues.
