A teenager in Gopalganj, Bihar, involved in alcohol smuggling, has received a unique sentence from the Juvenile Justice Board. Instead of facing jail time, the minor will be required to clean the Thawe Temple for a period of seven days. The decision by the Chief Judicial Magistrate reflects a focus on rehabilitation rather than punitive measures.
The magistrate’s intention is to offer the young offender a chance to reform and prevent a future life of crime. The teenager, who confessed to the crime after being caught, admitted that he was lured into smuggling by the promise of money. The local temple authorities are cooperating with the court’s order to facilitate the community service.