Maharashtra to Seek Centre’s Approval to Lower Juvenile Age Limit to 16: CM Fadnavis
Maharashtra to Seek Centre’s Approval to Lower Juvenile Age Limit to 16: CM Fadnavis
4 July, 2026: The Maharashtra government will request the Central government to reduce the juvenile age limit from 18 years to 16 years, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced in the state Assembly. The move aims to tackle the growing involvement of minors in serious crimes and strengthen action against organised criminal networks that recruit children.
Speaking during a discussion on rising juvenile crime, Fadnavis said that while minors aged 16 to 18 can already be tried as adults for heinous offences such as murder and rape under existing laws, any change to the age limit under the Juvenile Justice Act can only be made by the Centre. The state will therefore submit a formal proposal seeking the amendment.
The Chief Minister said the government also plans to tighten legal action against gangs that use minors for criminal activities, including drug trafficking and organised crime. He announced that the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) would be invoked against organised crime syndicates found exploiting children for illegal activities.
Fadnavis added that legal action under MCOCA would not be limited to gang members. Those providing financial support, weapons, or logistical assistance to such criminal groups could also face prosecution if links to organised crime are established.
To address the increasing number of juvenile offences, the state will set up a high-level committee to study the issue in detail. The panel will examine the reasons behind juvenile crime, recommend preventive and rehabilitation measures, and suggest legal reforms that may require the Centre’s approval.
Clarifying recent cases discussed in the Assembly, Fadnavis said the murder cases reported in Jalna were linked to family disputes and not organised crime. He also stated that the recent Latur incident was a personal family matter, and the juveniles involved have already been produced before the Juvenile Justice Board while the investigation continues.
The Chief Minister acknowledged that organised gangs have increasingly been exploiting legal protections available to juveniles by recruiting them for offences such as narcotics trafficking and illicit liquor operations.
Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam informed the Assembly that the government has already launched several initiatives to curb juvenile crime. These include awareness campaigns, counselling sessions, cyber safety programmes, de-addiction workshops, and preventive policing in sensitive areas.
He also said that Special Juvenile Police Units have been established across Maharashtra under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. These units are implementing the CARE (Counselling and Reformative Education) programme to rehabilitate children in conflict with the law and help them reintegrate into society. The government is also focusing on education, counselling, personality development, and rehabilitation for children staying in observation homes to reduce repeat offences.
