CB Bureau‘Ignorance and lack of application of correct law and
procedures have resulted in illegal arrests of almost 90 per cent of
juveniles in conflict with law in the country,’ said Dr Upneet Lali, deputy director,
Institution of Correctional Administration, while introducing three books – A Hand Book on Juvenile Justice; Witness Protection in India; and Human Rights and State Custody Law in
India – written by Dr KP Singh, inspector general of police (prisons),
Haryana, and Chitrangada Singh.
The books were released by Om Thanvi, chief editor,
Jansatta, New Delhi, at Panchkula. Thanvi mentioned the urgency to
apply the laws ‘as it is’ and in correct perspective.
‘It is unfortunate that the rights of juveniles and arrested
persons are being violated by those who are supposed to be their protectors.
The government institutions and officers should be well aware of the laws and
the procedures applicable in their respective fields. Ignorance of laws and
procedures is unpardonable. I hope that these books will prove useful for the police,
judiciary and advocates,’ he said.
Various legal luminaries including professors of law,
advocates, medical professionals, police officers and representatives of
non-governmental organizations were present on the occasion.
Introducing the monograph of witness protection, Shatrujeet
Kapoor, inspector general of police, Haryana, stressed the need to enact
a law to protect witnesses so that the offenders of law are brought to justice
speedily.
‘The problem of witnesses turning hostile in the courts is acute and
the common man is afraid of deposing against powerful and influential offenders,’
Kapoor said.