In a novel approach to juvenile justice, the Juvenile Justice Board in Gopalganj, Bihar, has directed a minor involved in alcohol smuggling to clean the Thawe Temple for a week. This decision reflects the board’s commitment to reforming young offenders rather than simply punishing them.
The Chief Judicial Magistrate explained that this approach aims to provide the teenager with an opportunity to change his ways and avoid future criminal activities. The minor, caught smuggling alcohol last year, confessed to the crime and admitted that he was influenced by financial incentives. The temple’s priest has been informed and the cleaning will commence as per the court’s directive.