Cut juvenile age to 16, Kerala HC flags maturity after drunk-driving crash

The Kerala High Court has called for legislative amendments to lower the age threshold for juveniles and children in conflict with the law to 16 years, citing their growing maturity at that age, news agency Press Trust of India reported.The observation came during the hearing of a petition seeking strict action against the sale and serving of liquor to people below 23 years of age, as well as its consumption by them. The petition referred to a recent accident in Nedumbassery in which an 18-year-old, under the influence of liquor, rammed his Mini Cooper into a scooter, killing three people.Justice A Bhadarudeen made the observation while hearing the petition filed by Vinod Vikram of Kollam. The petitioner has made the state government, the Director of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, the Excise Commissioner and the managing directors of three bars parties to the case.The bars allegedly served liquor to Suhail Sajeev, the prime accused in the Nedumbassery accident case, according to PTI. The court observed on Friday that the petition required detailed consideration in view of several similar incidents reported recently.In its interim order, the court said: “That apart, it is high time for the legislatures to consider appropriate amendments in the statutes which deal with the ‘juveniles and child in conflict’ with law to reduce age to 16 years, taking note of the present trend showing sufficient maturity by children when they reach the age of 16. This aspect is also to be appropriately addressed.” The court directed the Excise Commissioner to file a statement detailing the directions issued to ensure compliance with the Kerala Abkari Act. It also sought suggestions on how the law could be effectively enforced to protect the public from danger, PTI reported.The High Court will consider the matter again on November 24, when it is expected to examine the petition and the Excise Commissioner's statement.- Ends(With PTI inputs)