KOCHI: The High Court of Kerala has observed that it is high time legislative bodies reconsidered the upper age limit defined under juvenile justice laws, suggesting that it be reduced from 18 to 16 years.
Justice A. Badharudeen remarked that current societal trends indicate children attain sufficient mental maturity by the time they turn 16. The court noted that with exposure to modern technology and information, adolescents today develop cognitive awareness much earlier than in previous generations.
The bench made these critical observations while issuing an interim order on a petition seeking a Vigilance investigation against Excise officers in connection with a fatal hit-and-run accident at Nedumbassery, where a drunk 19-year-old driving a luxury car claimed three lives.
The court pointed out that under existing juvenile protection laws, individuals under the age of 18 are classified as minors. Observing that minors below 18 are increasingly involved in reckless driving, fatal road accidents, and other serious offenses, the High Court emphasized the urgent need for legislative reforms to address the issue.
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