Juvenile convict in Delhi gang-rape case can watch TV, play games in reformatory home

The minor accused in the December 16 gang rape case, sentenced to three years in a reformatory home on Saturday, will be kept in a separate cabin at a juvenile shelter home in north Delhi's Majnu Ka Tila. But he can watch TV, play games while doing time.

The minor accused in the December 16 gang rape case, sentenced to three years in a reformatory home on Saturday, will be kept in a separate cabin at the juvenile shelter home in north Delhi's Majnu Ka Tila, due to the threat perception surrounding him.

However, the 18-year-old may well spend the rest of his term at the reformatory home watching TV, playing games, receiving vocational training.

This is because such special homes are not like jails. Their focus is no rehabilitation and social integration.

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The minor, who according to the police was the most brutal among the six people who assaulted the girl, was the first to be convicted in the case that triggered protests across the country.

Inmates at correctional centres for minors are kept together and allowed to interact with each other but the now 18-year-old rapist will be kept separate because of the 'threat perception'.

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He would be allowed visitors but people who wish to see him have to seek prior permission from the correctional home authorities.

Under the Juvenile Justice Act, a minor can be kept at a reformatory home for a maximum of three years. Convict of 16 years of age or or above are kept at special homes since they turn adult during the course of reformation.

"Special homes are not like jail. Minors require care, protection, rehabilitation and social integration. If the juvenile in conflict with the law is not educated, he is given basic education. The authorities focus on the rehabilitation of every child coming to the special home," said Amod Kanth, general secretary of Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre (JAC) Society.

Convicts lodged at special homes are also given clothes, shoes and are counselled to ensure they do not go astray again. "There is also a provision of 'aftercare' under Section 44 of the Juvenile Justice Act. The authority must ensure a rehabilitation policy for child after he leaves the home," Kanth added.