State, Child and the Law
CHILDREN anywhere around the world, form the most intrinsic part of the society. The construct of the word ‘child’ across societies is such that it has led to be a value laden term. There are so many attributes to the nature of the child, across societies that it has given children a certain straight jacket formula of the values that they need to possess. Innocence, gullibility, mirth, incapability, dependability, energetic, timidity, generous are some of the terms that conjure up the mind when we talk about children. Most of these attributes are considered to be signs of vulnerability and weakness in the big bad world. It gives a sense of superiority and a protectionist attitude to the grown-ups. This in turn sometimes renders the child agency less. History is proof enough of the fact that the child has battled this understanding and is now being seen as exerting rights as individuals. It is indeed interesting to note that family, which is essentially termed as the most basic un...