Ajit Pawar Proposes Lowering Juvenile Age Limit to 14 Amid Rising Youth Crime in Maharashtra

Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has proposed reducing the age limit for juvenile offenders from 18 years to 14 years. He highlighted concerns about an increasing trend where children between 13 and 14 years old are getting involved in criminal activities. Currently, under the existing law, minors under 18 cannot be sentenced to regular jails for serious offenses but are placed in juvenile homes instead.

Speaking at an event in Pandare, Baramati taluka, Pawar emphasized the need for stricter measures, citing instances where minors, influenced by various factors including online content, are committing serious crimes. He mentioned a recent high-profile case that shook the state, underlining the urgency to address this issue.

Pawar has requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to consider amending the law during the upcoming Parliament session, starting February 1st. He plans to discuss this proposal with Shah and other leaders to explore options for imposing stricter penalties on juvenile offenders involved in severe crimes.