Principal Magistrate JJB Kishtwar reviews child protection in Kishtwar

Directs Police not to keep biometric records of children

KISHTWAR, MARCH 20: Principal Magistrate of Juvenile Justice Board Kishtwar, Mahmud Anwar Alnasir called a meeting for a periodical review for the effective implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act today. The meeting was held at the conference hall in the District Court Complex Kishtwar.

The Principal Magistrate addressed participants and emphasised that all stakeholders must work in close coordination with the Juvenile Justice Board and Child Welfare Committee. He directed police to provide an updated list of SJPOs to the board quarterly.

He also instructed that when any child comes into contact with police during an investigation, their age must be verified before apprehension. He insisted that every 164 CrPC statement and medical examination of minors be accompanied by a lady officer from CWC/JJB/LCPO or social workers from DCPU.

He took note of expenses for dietary and non-dietary items including travel charges for escorts to be borne by Mission Vatsalya without fail. He also directed that a standing medical board be constituted by the Medical Superintendent for age determination, psychological assessment and counselling.

The Principal Magistrate emphasised that interdepartmental coordination and an integrated approach were essential for proper legislation and delivery of justice. He impressed upon police officers to issue character rolls without directions passed by JJB in the case of CCLs. He also directed that no biometric records or photographs of CCLs be kept in police records.

The Principal Magistrate also directed the immediate shifting of the Place of Safety for CCLs from a police post to another civil building.

Attendees included ASP Kishtwar, Assistant Public Prosecutor, members of CWC and JJB Kishtwar, District Child Protection Officer Kishtwar, DySPs, SHOs, Special Juvenile Police Officers, Medical Superintendent and Superintendent of Child Care Institutions among others.