Srinagar: A one-day state level workshop on ‘J&K Juvenile Justice Act’ was organized Saturday by the Department of law, University of Kashmir in collaboration with Save the Children (NGO).
The workshop was attended by legal experts, scholars, academics, members from Social Welfare Department, Heads and Deans of various Departments of the University of Kashmir and the faculty members of Legal Studies of Central University of Kashmir.
In his address, Justice (retd) B.A Kirmani, presently president State Consumer Commission made a critical appreciation of Juvenile Justice Act calling for suitable adjustment of legal and socio-economic aspects of the new law and stressed on the sincere efforts on the part of the state to implement the new law in a more holistic way.
Justice Kirmani said that time has come “when we as members of society have to ask certain questions to ourselves about the fate of those thousands of orphans  in the Valley who if left unattended and uncared may follow a wrong path thereby posing a serious challenge for the future of our nation.”
Prof. M A Sofi, Officiating Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir in his presidential address highlighted some problems faced by a common man when exposed to legal battle. He suggested that a common man should feel safe in the hands of law to serve the ends of justice.
Referring to Juvenile Justice Act, Prof Sofi said that it is not just the enactment of such legislations or acts but there implementation in letter and spirit at grassroot level which ultimately serves the purpose for the betterment of the society.
Prof. Mohammad Ayoub Dar, Head and Dean Faculty of Law highlighted the diverse issues which need a careful handling while framing the rules under the legislation.
Sharief Ahmad Bhat, State Program Manager, Save The Children, talked about the role of the organization in diverse fields including especially in the welfare of the children.
Maharukh Adenwala, Senior Advocate Mumbai High Court who was the main resource person on the occasion, provided a detailed application of juvenile justice law in the whole of India and suggested that invocation of juvenile justice law in J&K will make a positive difference at the grass-root level.
Dr. M. Hussain and Dr Fareed Ahmad Rafique proposed the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the inaugural and technical sessions.

Reader correspondent