Juvenile Delinquency in India: A Socio-Legal Aspect

Abstract

Juvenile delinquency in India is a multidimensional socio-legal issue influenced by poverty, family disintegration, peer pressure, educational deprivation, urbanization, and social marginalization. This research paper examines the phenomenon through an interdisciplinary lens, combining sociological and legal perspectives to analyze the causes, consequences, and institutional responses. The study explores the evolution of juvenile justice laws—from the Juvenile Justice Act, 1986, to the 2000 and 2015 Acts—and assesses the impact of international conventions such as the UNCRC on India’s legal framework. Key institutional mechanisms, including Juvenile Justice Boards, Child Welfare Committees, observation homes, NGOs, and government schemes, are evaluated for their effectiveness in rehabilitation and reintegration. Judicial approaches balancing reformative and punitive measures are examined through landmark Supreme Court judgments. Findings highlight that while legal provisions emphasize rehabilitation, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, procedural delays, and social stigma persist. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to strengthen preventive, corrective, and rehabilitative measures, promoting child welfare and reducing recidivism.