Juvenile Justice Act, 2000: Key Features

The correct option is 3, which includes points (A), (B), and (E).

The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, introduced significant reforms. Let's examine the salient features mentioned:

Analysis of Features

• (A) Defined children as below 18 years of age: This was a cornerstone of the Act, establishing a uniform age definition for all children, irrespective of gender or circumstance, aligning with international standards.
• (B) Separated children into two categories: The Act clearly distinguished between 'children in need of care and protection' (e.g., orphans, abandoned children) and 'children in conflict with law' (those who have committed offenses). This distinction was crucial for appropriate intervention.
• (C) Children in need of care and protection sent to observation homes: This is incorrect. Such children were to be produced before a Child Welfare Committee (CWC), which would then decide on their placement in appropriate homes (like children's homes), not necessarily observation homes, which were primarily for children in conflict with law.
• (D) Children in conflict with law kept in juvenile homes: This is partially incorrect or imprecisely stated. Children in conflict with law were first produced before a Juvenile Court and placed in observation homes during the inquiry period. Only after adjudication might they be sent to juvenile homes or special homes for rehabilitation.
• (E) Rehabilitation and social integration of a child: A primary objective of the Act was to ensure the rehabilitation and mainstreaming of all children dealt with under the Act, focusing on their welfare rather than purely punitive measures.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, statements (A), (B), and (E) accurately represent the salient features of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2000. Therefore, Option 3 is the correct choice.