Juvenile Justice System — Amendments

Amendment	Year	Description	Impact
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Act	2021	This amendment aimed to strengthen the child protection system, particularly concerning adoption and the oversight of child care institutions. It clarified the categorization of offences and enhanced the role of District Magistrates.	District Magistrates (DMs) and Additional DMs were empowered to authorize adoption orders, a function previously performed by civil courts, aiming to expedite adoption processes. DMs were also given oversight powers over CWCs and DCPUs, enhancing accountability. The amendment clarified 'serious offences' (3-7 years imprisonment) as non-cognizable and non-bailable, while 'heinous offences' (7+ years imprisonment) remained cognizable and non-bailable. It also increased penalties for certain offences against children. This shift aims for faster justice delivery and better administrative control, though it raises questions about the specialized expertise of DMs in child welfare matters.