Justice (Retd.) Puneet Gupta appointed head of selection-cum-oversight panel
Srinagar, May 15: In a significant move, the Jammu & Kashmir Government has initiated the process for re-constituting Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) and Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) across the Union Territory.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), to begin with, the Department of Social Welfare has constituted a selection-cum-oversight committee to facilitate the appointments.
The panel will be headed by Justice (Retd.) Puneet Gupta, former judge of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The term of members of JJBs and chairpersons/members of CWCs had recently ended. However, on April 20, 2026, the government granted them a six-month extension from the date of expiry of their term, or until the new boards and committees are constituted-whichever is earlier.
A Juvenile Justice Board, as per law, comprises a Metropolitan Magistrate or Judicial Magistrate (First Class) and two social workers, of whom at least one must be a woman. The JJBs deal with cases involving children in conflict with law.
Each Child Welfare Committee consists of a chairperson and four members, with at least one woman and another expert in child-related matters.
CWCs are meant for children in need of care and protection (CNCP), ensuring their safety, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society. (KNO)
