Question Hour in Lok Sabha saw brief disruption as
opposition benches demanded for more release in funds for MNREGA.
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Bill was passed
by the Lower House. During the debate
members raised several concerns about trying juveniles under the adult criminal
justice system, the procedure of inquiry by the Juvenile Justice Board,
gradation of penalties for offences, among other things. The Minister of Women and Child Development,
Ms. Maneka Gandhi, during her reply to the debate stated that Clause 7 of the
Bill will be negatived. Several members during the debate had pointed out
constitutional issues pertaining to this clause as it allowed separate treatment
of juveniles based on the date of apprehension.
The below table compares some penalties assigned to offences
under the 2014 Bill:
|
Offence |
Penalty prescribed in the 2014 Bill |
|
Giving a child any intoxicating |
Imprisonment: up to seven years; Fine: |
|
Selling or buying a child |
Imprisonment: up to five years; Fine: |
|
Subjecting a child to cruelty |
Imprisonment: up to three years; Fine: |
|
Employing a child for begging |
Imprisonment: up to five years; Fine: |
The Constitutional (119th) Amendment Bill was
passed by Lok Sabha. The Bill ratifies
the Land Agreement entered into by India and Bangladesh on May 16, 1974.
Members in the Upper House raised a discussion on the
situation arising out of huge disparity in the air fares of Airlines to various
destinations in the country.
Rajya Sabha also took up discussion on the Finance Bill and
the Appropriation Bill.