The Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur inaugurated its Centre for Juvenile Rights (JURIC) on June 21, 2025, aimed at advancing the cause of child protection and juvenile justice in India.
The Centre has been established following a resolution passed by the Juvenile Justice Committee under the chairmanship of Madhya Pradesh High Court judge, Justice Anand Pathak.
The inaugural ceremony was conducted by Vice-Chancellor, DNLU, Prof (Dr) Manoj Kumar Sinha, Registrar, DNLU, Dr Praveen Tripathi, and Centre Director, Shashank Pathak.
Chief Guest, Justice Anand Pathak delivered the keynote address. He spoke on the critical need for empathy in the judicial approach while adjudicating matters involving juveniles, and the importance of including society in the welfare and protection of juveniles.
Justice Pathak highlighted innovative practices such as the concept of Shaurya Didi, a grassroot initiative empowering woman as protectors and mentors for children in vulnerable communities.
He also discussed the role of social audits in ensuring transparency, accountability, and quality in childcare institutions and juvenile home. Continuous monitoring through social audits becomes essential in upholding the rights and dignity of every child under institutional care.
The Centre for Juvenile Rights aims to serve as a hub for research, training, policy formulation, and advocacy on child rights and juvenile justice. It will work in collaboration with various stakeholders including the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, child rights organizations, and academic institutions.
The inaugural event was also attended by Registrar (Administration) Harsh Singh Bahrawat, Registrar (J-I), Anil Kumar Sharma, child welfare experts, social activists, academicians, and students.
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