Open Access Research Article
LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK FOR JUVENILE JUSTICE IN INDIA: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY PROVISIONS
Abstract
Abstract
Juvenile justice in India
is an important component of constitutional governance and child-rights
protection. The system has gradually moved from a punitive approach towards a
child-centric model based on dignity, reform, rehabilitation, and social reintegration.
However, a significant research gap remains concerning the combined
effectiveness of constitutional guarantees, statutory safeguards, and
international child-rights standards in addressing the practical needs of
juveniles. This paper critically analyses the constitutional and legislative
foundations of juvenile justice in India. It examines Articles 14, 15(3), 21,
21A, 23, 24, 39(e), 39(f), and 45, which collectively establish the State's
responsibility to protect children from discrimination, exploitation, abuse,
and neglect. It further analyses the Children Act, 1960; the Juvenile Justice
Acts of 2000 and 2015; the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986,
as amended in 2016; the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012;
the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009; and the
Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. The study also considers the UN
Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Beijing Rules, the Riyadh
Guidelines, and the Havana Rules. Adopting a doctrinal, analytical, and
comparative methodology, the paper finds that India possesses a comprehensive
legal framework, but its implementation remains weak due to inadequate
infrastructure, shortage of trained personnel, delayed proceedings, ineffective
rehabilitation, and poor inter-agency coordination. It argues that
strengthening juvenile justice institutions, ensuring child-friendly
procedures, improving legal aid and aftercare, and prioritising rehabilitation
are essential for aligning practice with constitutional and international
standards.
Published Paper
Author Details
Authors: VIJAY SAHADU KHARAT
Registration ID: 1013233 | Published Paper ID: IJLRA13233
Year: Sep-2026 | Volume: 3 | Issue: 6
Approved ISSN: 2582-6433 | Country: Delhi, India
Page No.: 1725-1743
Article Information
LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK FOR JUVENILE JUSTICE IN INDIA: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY PROVISIONS
Authors: VIJAY SAHADU KHARAT
- Journal IJLRA
- ISSN 2582-6433
- Volume 3
- Issue 6
About Journal
International Journal for Legal Research and Analysis
- AbbreviationIJLRA
- ISSN2582-6433
- AccessOpen Access
- LicenseCC 4.0
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