Legislatures Should Consider Lowering Age Limit for Juvenile Sentencing Relief to 16: Kerala High Court

Kochi: The Kerala High Court has said that legislative bodies should seriously consider reducing the age limit for exemption from punishment for children involved in criminal offences to 16. Justice A Badharudeen made the observation, noting that children attain sufficient maturity by that age.

The court was hearing a petition filed by journalist Vinod Vikraman Pillai seeking directions for the strict implementation of Section 15B of the Kerala Abkari Act, which prohibits the sale and serving of alcohol to persons below 23 years of age.

The court directed the Excise Commissioner to submit a report on the steps taken to implement the provision. The report should also include recommendations on measures to ensure effective enforcement of the law.

The petition pointed out that although the Abkari Act prohibits the sale, serving and consumption of alcohol by those below 23, the provision is not being properly enforced. It alleged that the failure of the Excise Department had allowed even minors to access alcohol without difficulty at licensed establishments.

The petitioner said that even those below 18 enter bars and other establishments, consume alcohol and subsequently cause accidents. The petition cited the accident at Nedumbassery in which three people died after a 19-year-old allegedly drove a car under the influence of alcohol.

It also alleged that some Excise officials evade their responsibilities by accepting bribes from bar managements. The petition sought a Vigilance investigation against the officials allegedly responsible for the Nedumbassery accident.