juvenile justice (care and protection of children) act, 2015 has been passed by parliament of india amidst intense controversy, debate and protest on many of its provisions by child rights fraternity. it replaced the indian juvenile delinquency law, juvenile justice (care and protection of children) act, 2000, and allows for juveniles in conflict with law in the age group of 16–18, involved in heinous offences, to be tried as adults. the act also sought to create a universally accessible adoption law for india, overtaking the hindu adoptions and maintenance act (1956) (applicable to hindus, buddhists, jains, and sikhs) and the guardians and wards act (1890) (applicable to muslims), though not replacing them. the act came into force from 15 january 2016.