The Maharashtra government will submit a proposal to the Centre seeking a reduction in the juvenile age limit from 18 years to 16 years, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced in the state legislative assembly on Tuesday.
The proposal is intended to strengthen legal action against those who exploit minors for criminal activities, including organised crime and drug trafficking.
Addressing a discussion on the growing incidence of juvenile crime, Fadnavis clarified that under the existing legal framework and Supreme Court guidelines, children aged 16 to 18 can already be tried as adults in cases involving heinous offences such as murder and rape, subject to the due legal process. However, he emphasised that any broader amendment to the age limit under the Juvenile Justice Act falls within the jurisdiction of the Central government.
The Chief Minister said the state is exploring legal amendments that would enable authorities to take tougher action against gangs and individuals who recruit or use minors to commit offences.
He announced that the Maharashtra government would invoke the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against organised criminal groups found using minors for illegal activities.
"If the involvement of an organised gang is established, MCOCA provisions will be applied against those exploiting minors to commit crimes," Fadnavis told the House.
He further stated that legal action would not be limited to gang members alone. Individuals who facilitate such crimes by supplying weapons, money, or logistical assistance to minors could also face prosecution under MCOCA, even if they were not physically present at the crime scene, provided an organised crime connection is established.
Enacted in 1999, MCOCA grants investigating agencies enhanced powers to tackle organised crime syndicates and their support networks.
To better understand the increasing involvement of children in criminal activities, the Chief Minister announced the formation of a high-level committee that will conduct a scientific study of the issue.
Fadnavis said there have been instances where minors are lured with money and manipulated into committing crimes, describing the trend as a serious concern.
The committee will investigate the underlying causes of juvenile delinquency, recommend preventive and rehabilitative measures that can be implemented by the state, and identify legal reforms that may require the Centre's approval.
Responding to concerns raised by legislator Arjun Khotkar regarding juvenile crime in Jalna district, Fadnavis said the eight murder cases mentioned during the discussion were primarily the result of family disputes and did not involve organised criminal syndicates.
He also clarified that the recent incident in Latur stemmed from a personal family dispute. The juveniles allegedly involved have already been produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, while the investigation remains underway.
At the same time, the Chief Minister acknowledged that criminal networks have increasingly been exploiting provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act, under which children in conflict with the law are placed in observation homes instead of being arrested.
Khotkar alleged that organised gangs were deliberately recruiting minors for crimes, illicit liquor operations, and narcotics trafficking because of the legal protections available to juveniles. He urged the government to carry out crime mapping in Jalna and ensure counselling and rehabilitation for juveniles after their release from observation homes.
Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam informed the Assembly that the government has already introduced multiple initiatives aimed at preventing juvenile crime and supporting the rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law.
According to Kadam, police departments across Maharashtra are conducting awareness drives, counselling programmes, cyber safety campaigns, and de-addiction workshops for students, parents, and teachers in schools and colleges.
He added that regular patrolling and preventive policing are being carried out in sensitive areas to deter criminal activity.
Special Juvenile Police Units have also been established across the state under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. These units are implementing the CARE (Counselling and Reformative Education) programme to help rehabilitate juveniles and facilitate their reintegration into society.
The government is also focusing on education, counselling, personality development, and rehabilitation for children residing in observation homes as part of its broader strategy to reduce juvenile delinquency and prevent repeat offences.