India, Oct. 21 -- The Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) in Jammu and Kashmir have become partially non-functional, while Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) have become dysfunctional following the expiry of their members' tenure, raising concerns over justice and protection for vulnerable children.
An order issued by Mission Vatsalya states that the tenure of most CWCs and JJBs expired on April 15, 2026. The government subsequently granted a six-month extension, which ended on October 13, but fresh appointments have yet to be made.
With the tenure of two members of the JJBs having expired, the boards are left with only their Principal Magistrates. Under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, at least two members, including the Principal Magistrate, mus...