Pune: The Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) in Pune, responsible for handling cases involving minors under the age of 18, is grappling with a severe backlog as 5,708 cases remain pending.

With only one operational board comprising a chairperson and two members, the board is struggling to manage the overwhelming workload, leading to concerns about the efficiency and effectiveness of the juvenile justice system.

The issue of minors involved in criminal activities has been rising in Pune, with numerous cases reported across various police stations in the city.

Once a crime involving a minor is registered, the juvenile is brought before the JJB for hearings. However, due to the limited resources, the board has been unable to keep up with the influx of cases.

According to RTI activist Vihar Durve, who obtained the data through an application to the District Court Administration, the extent of the backlog is alarming, highlighting the dire need for more resources and attention to the juvenile justice system.

The current operational state of the JJB in Pune reveals a critical shortfall. With just one board in place, all 5,708 pending cases are being handled by this single entity.

If the board operates 23 days a month, it would need to conduct hearings for approximately 248 cases each day. This translates to an average of only one minute and seven seconds available per case, assuming the workload is spread evenly.

While the seriousness of each case may warrant more or less time, the backlog significantly delays the resolution of cases, potentially affecting the mental health and rehabilitation of the minors involved.

RTI activist Vihar Durve has raised concerns about the impact of these delays on the children, emphasizing that prolonged unresolved cases can have serious implications on their mental state.

The current scenario calls for urgent reforms, including the establishment of additional boards and the allocation of more resources to ensure that juvenile cases are handled with the attention and care they require.

The situation of the Juvenile Justice Board in Pune underscores a broader systemic issue within the juvenile justice system, where a lack of infrastructure and manpower is hampering the ability to deliver timely justice to minors.

Without immediate intervention, the board's capacity to function effectively remains at risk, potentially jeopardizing the rights and well-being of the children it is meant to protect.