Section 220 Child’s Right Act

Section 220 Child’s Right Act 2003 is about Power of Court to order parent or guardian to pay fine, etc. It is under Part XX (Child Justice Administration – Adjudication) of the Act.

(1) Where a child is charged before the Court with an offence and the Court decides that the case would be best disposed of by the imposition of a fine, damages, compensation or costs, whether with or without any other measure, the Court shall order that the fine, damages, compensation or costs awarded be paid by the parent or guardian of the child instead of the child, unless the Court is satisfied that‐
(a) the parent or guardian of the child cannot be found; or
(b) the parent or guardian has not condoned to the commission of the offence by neglecting to exercise due care, guidance of and control over the child;

(2) Where a child is charged with an offence, the Court may order his parent or guardian to give security for his good behaviour.

(3) Where the Court thinks that a charge against a child is proved, the Court may make an order on the parent or guardian under this section for the payment of damages or costs or requiring him to give security for good behaviour, without proceeding to find that the child committed the act.

(4) An order under this section may be made by the Court against a parent or guardian who, having been required to attend the Court failed to do so, but no such order shall be made Without the Court giving the parent or guardian an opportunity of being heard.

(5) A sum imposed and ordered to be paid by a parent or guardian under this section, or any forfeiture or any security as given under this section, may be recovered from the parent or guardian by distress in like manner as if the order had been made on the conviction of the parent or guardian of the offence with which the child was charged.

(6) A parent or guardian may appeal against an order under this section to the Court at the High Court level or the Court of Appeal, as the case may be.