Fadnavis says Maharashtra will propose lowering juvenile age limit to 16
The Maharashtra government announced on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, that it will send a formal proposal to the Central government to reduce the juvenile age limit from 18 to 16 years. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis shared this decision during a session at the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in Mumbai, highlighting the state's plan to curb the exploitation of minors by criminal syndicates.
In addition to seeking a lower age limit for juveniles, the state government is actively considering invoking the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against organized gangs. This legal measure would specifically target groups and individuals who recruit and use minors to execute various crimes.
Chief Minister Fadnavis shared these details while addressing the assembly during a focused discussion on the rising trend of juvenile delinquency across the state. The discussion highlighted growing concerns over how criminal networks utilize underage individuals to avoid harsher legal penalties.
According to the Chief Minister, the state is looking into necessary legal amendments. These changes are intended to streamline and ease the process of taking decisive legal action against gangs and individuals who employ minors for illicit operations.
The primary objective of proposing the age reduction to the Central government is to establish a stricter legal framework. The state government aims to ensure robust legal recourse and stricter action against those who exploit children for criminal activities, particularly in cases involving drug distribution.
By lowering the juvenile age limit to 16, the government hopes to address the legal loopholes that currently shield older minors who commit serious offenses. It also aims to dismantle the networks that rely on the legal leniency granted to minors under the current age threshold.
The announcement on Tuesday marks a significant policy stance by the Maharashtra government as it seeks intervention from the Centre to modify existing juvenile laws.
