Delhi gang-rape: Maximum punishment a juvenile can get is three years in correctional facility

New Delhi: The Juvenile Justice Board will decide on July 25 on the role of one of the six men accused in the brutal gang-rape of a 23-year-old medical student in a moving bus in Delhi on December 16 last year.

The accused was 17 and a half years old then and so has been tried by the board and not by the fast -track court that is trying the other men, accused of rape and murder among other charges.

The juvenile - who turned 18 last month and is now considered an adult by law - can be handed a maximum punishment of three years in a "special home" or correctional facility if found guilty or convicted.

According to the juvenile justice act, he can also be released immediately after advice or admonition today, or be asked to perform community service. Or he could be sent under the care of a probation officer for a period of three years.

The board could also decide to release him on a bond and send him to the custody of his parents. The parents would then have to pay a fine. The juvenile, who belongs to Uttar Pradesh, comes from an impoverished family and has not been in touch with them or some time, the police say.

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If he gets maximum punishment, he will be free in three years. He could then be offered an after-care programme.

If he wants employment then, a job will be arranged for him and his employer will be entrusted with the responsibility of looking after him.

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In such a case, a juvenile's crime and punishment are kept permanently sealed. The crime does not reflect when the juvenile seeks employment later.