The Kerala High Court has suggested that the legislature consider reducing the age threshold in juvenile cases from 18 to 16 years, observing that children attain considerable maturity by the age of 16.
Justice A. Badharudeen said serious offences committed by minors should be viewed with due concern and called for a reconsideration of the existing legal framework. The court also observed that age was increasingly being used as a loophole to escape legal consequences.
The observations came while the court was hearing a petition seeking strict enforcement of the prohibition on serving alcohol to persons below 23 years of age.
The court also referred to the Nedumbassery Mini Cooper accident while highlighting the dangers of underage drinking and driving. It pointed out that fatal accidents involving minors driving under the influence of alcohol raised serious concerns about public safety.
The petition highlighted violations of Sections 15A and 15B of the Kerala Abkari Act, which prohibit the supply of alcohol to persons below 23 years of age. It alleged that the restrictions were being violated at bars and other establishments.
The court observed that the easy availability of alcohol to minors, despite statutory restrictions, posed a threat to public safety.
It further stated that the matter required detailed consideration and indicated that a more comprehensive hearing would be necessary.
