The government of Himachal Pradesh has officially announced the Himachal Pradesh Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules, 2026, which implement significant procedural reforms for addressing issues involving minors in legal conflicts. The new Rules, established under the Juvenile Justice Act of 2015, received the Governor’s approval and were made public on Monday. The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment will oversee the execution of these guidelines as the designated nodal agency.
A notable change introduced by the new Rules is the procedure for documenting offenses that involve minors. According to Rule 8 concerning pre-production actions, a First Information Report (FIR) will only be filed against a child if the alleged offense is categorized as heinous or if it involves adult co-accused. In other situations, the Special Juvenile Police Unit or the Child Welfare Police Officer will instead document the incident in the general daily diary and create a Daily Diary Report (DDR).
In instances where a minor is implicated in a crime alongside adults, the registration of an FIR will be mandatory. The framework for addressing minors in legal conflicts will categorize offenses into three types: petty, serious, and heinous.
A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) from Shimla informed The Indian Express that while juveniles are not arrested in legal conflicts, FIRs have historically been filed for various offenses ranging from theft to assault. “We are still awaiting access to the new Rules,” he stated.
For heinous offenses alleged against minors aged 16 or older, the Child Welfare Police Officer is required to present witness statements and other investigative documents within one month of the minor’s first appearance before the Juvenile Justice Board. A copy of these documents must also be provided to the child or their parent or guardian.
Furthermore, the Rules stipulate that the apprehension of a minor should primarily be reserved for serious offenses, unless it is determined to be in the child’s best interest. For petty or serious offenses where apprehension is not essential, the police will instead notify the Board and inform the child’s parents or guardians about the scheduled appearance.
The new framework mandates the establishment of one or more Juvenile Justice Boards in every district, as confirmed by official notification. Each Board will be chaired by a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class with a minimum of three years of experience, designated as the Principal Magistrate. The Board will also consist of two social worker members, one of whom must be female, forming a panel. These members will be appointed by the state government based on the recommendations of a selection committee. Similarly, Child Welfare Committees will be formed in each district, with the chairperson and members appointed by the state government following the selection committee’s recommendations.
Committee members must be between 35 and 65 years of age and possess relevant qualifications in areas such as child psychology, psychiatry, law, social work, sociology, education, or human development. The Rules also impose stricter guidelines for the registration of Child Care Institutions (CCIs). All facilities caring for children in need of protection or those in conflict with the law, whether operated by the government or private organizations, must be registered under the Juvenile Justice Act, regardless of any existing registration under other laws.
These institutions are required to provide comprehensive documentation, including their governance structure, financial records for the past three years, and a record of their social services. They must also submit a declaration affirming that they have not been involved in any form of child abuse, child labor, or immoral activities, and that they have not been blacklisted by any authority.
Saurabh Parashar serves as an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, focusing on the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. With over 17 years of experience in print journalism, he specializes in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting.
Professional Background:
Education: Parashar holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) in Shimla. This legal education significantly enhances his reporting on intricate judicial and administrative issues.
Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years at The Times of India.
Core Beats: His main focus includes the socio-political climate of Himachal Pradesh, with particular attention to environmental issues, forest conservation, the drug crisis (notably “Chitta”), and the unique governance challenges faced in high-altitude regions.
Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025): Parashar’s recent articles delve into the crucial intersections of policy, law, and societal safety in Himachal Pradesh, including:
1. “Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable” (Late 2025): An investigative piece examining the transit routes from Punjab and their effects on local youth.
2. “Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe: According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover” (Nov 17, 2025).
3. “Himachal to hand over 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest status, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC” (Nov 18, 2025).
4. “How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara, a form of fraternal polyandry, has long been a part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri area of Himachal Pradesh and neighboring Uttarakhand. It is believed to have been developed to prevent the division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh mountainous terrain” (Aug 18, 2025).
