LAW NOTES

“Juvenile crime is not naturally born in the boy, but is largely due either to the spirit of adventure that is in him, to his own stupidity, or to his lack of discipline, according to the nature of the individual.” This quotation by “Robert Baden – Powell” distinctly relates the condition of juvenile justice system in contemporary India. Whether the present day legislation in India on juveniles are for its reformation or to give punishment. Section 2(k) of the juvenile justice act, 2000 defines “juvenile” as a person who has not completed the age of 18 years. The trial procedure was different for them as they were considered as one of the vulnerable class of our society but the drastic change came in this with the coming of juvenile justice (care and protection of children) Act, 2015, if a juvenile within the age group 16-18 years is in the conflict with law and engaged in any of the heinous crime can be tried as adults. The engagement of juvenile in heinous crimes and increasing

WHAT IS PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION ?  HOW TO FILE A PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION ? “Public interest Litigation“, in simple words, means, litigation filed in a court of law, for the protection of “Public Interest”, such as Pollution, Terrorism, Road safety, Constructional hazards etc. Any matter where the interest of public at large is affected can be redressed by filing a Public Interest Litigation in a court of law. PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION is not defined in any statute or in any act. It has been interpreted by judges to consider the intent of public at large. Although, the main and only focus of such litigation is “Public Interest” there are various areas where a PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION can be filed. WHO CAN FILE A PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION In normal cases, it is seen that the aggrieved party i.e. the victim, who is affected has to file his case in a court of law. That person should have an interest in the dispute. But in filing of Public Interest Litigation there is no