KARACHI:
The recent crackdown on an alleged fraudulent call centre in Karachi resulted in the arrest of hundreds of individuals, including juveniles. Under the Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018, juvenile offenders are often treated leniently compared with adults in criminal proceedings.
However, the purpose of juvenile justice should not be limited to protecting young suspects from the consequences of their actions. It should be extended to involve accountability to ensure that juveniles consider the legality of their activities. It would ensure that they understand the fact that their ignorance of the illegality of an action does not cancel the consequences of the action itself. This does not mean giving them life imprisonment or harsh punishments, but they could be subjected to alternative forms of accountability such as community service. Bearing the consequences of their actions in some form will invoke a sense of responsibility for their future actions.
Moreover, action should be taken against the parents of such persons. Sometimes, the parents are truly unaware but still they deserve a strict reprimand for their irresponsibility in supervising their children. Parents’ negligence often leads to dire consequences for their child.
Thus, juveniles may be released from custody, but not from all responsibility; nor should their parents be absolved of theirs.
Kainat Younas
Islamabad
