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Section 108: Public awareness on provisions of Act

Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 • Official Statutory Text & Practice Guide

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Section 107 All 112 Sections of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 Section 109

Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 108

Section 108 of the Act obligates the Central and State Governments to ensure widespread public awareness of the provisions of the Act through television, radio, print media, and school curricula, ensuring public sensitization to child rights.

  • Sovereign Public Awareness Mandate: Directs Central and State Governments to conduct regular public campaigns educating citizens on reporting abandoned children, avoiding child labor, and understanding adoption.
  • Compulsory Sensitization of Police, Judiciary & Caretakers: Mandates periodic training modules on child psychology and juvenile law for police officers, magistrates, CWC members, and institution staff.
  • Inclusion in School & College Curricula: Encourages the introduction of child protection rights and toll-free helpline awareness into educational curricula.
Key Landmark Precedents:
  • Sampurna Behura v. Union of India (2018) 4 SCC 433: Supreme Court affirmed that public awareness under Section 108 is indispensable to eradicate child exploitation, directing National and State Legal Services Authorities (NALSA/SLSA) to conduct continuous awareness programs.
  • In Re: Exploitation of Children in Orphanages (2017) 7 SCC 578: Supreme Court directed judicial academies to conduct mandatory child rights courses for sitting magistrates.
  • Bachpan Bachao Andolan v. Union of India (2011) 5 SCC 1: Affirmed the importance of community awareness in detecting child trafficking.
Courtroom Practice & Strategic Litigation Guidance:

Legal aid institutions should coordinate with State Legal Services Authorities to utilize Section 108 awareness funds, conducting legal literacy workshops in rural schools and transit hubs regarding child helpline 1098.

Section 107 All 112 Sections of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 Section 109