Centre had opposed juvenile convict's release: Rijiju

New Delhi, Dec 19: Amidst a raging debate on whether the juvenile convict in Nirbhaya gangrape case should have been released, the Centre today said it had opposed his release but the Delhi High Court has ordered him to be freed from the remand home. Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju also put the onus on Delhi government on the convict's rehabilitation.

"In principle, the central government opposed the release of the juvenile offender at this stage for which we have presented our position before the honourable Delhi High Court," Rijiju told PTI. Rijiju said the Additional Solicitor General had put across the central government's view in the court in the case.

"The Additional Solicitor General, who appeared in Subramaniam Swamy's application opposing the release (of the juvenile), also shared the central agency's assessment report with the court," he said. The Minister said the Juvenile Justice Amendment Act was passed in Lok Sabha but it could not get clearance in Rajya Sabha due to "disruption by Congress Party".

"The court directed the Juvenile Justice Board and Delhi government to chart out a plan for his rehabilitation once he is released. That means, the government of National Capital Territory of Delhi has to make provisions for his mainstreaming and rehabilitation," he said.

The juvenile convict in the December 16, 2012 gangrape case was today moved out of the correction home and sent to an undisclosed location. He was moved out after the Delhi High Court refused to stay his release. The convict is expected to be released tomorrow in adherence to the existing legal provision.

PTI