Child in Conflict with Law in India: Changing Concerns and Constraints

Abstract

The irrefutable presumption that a child is innocent and incapable of committing any crime is refuted when that child commits a crime. These individuals are referred to as juveniles because they are not yet deemed mature enough to be held accountable for their actions in committing a crime. This article examines the various aspects of juvenile delinquency in India, with a particular emphasis on the state of Uttar Pradesh. The study examines the laws, organizations, and social and economic elements that influence the development of juvenile justice in this heavily populated and diversified state. The research endeavours to illuminate the effectiveness of juvenile justice policies and procedures by employing a blend of legal analysis, empirical research, and case studies. The research utilizes a broad interdisciplinary approach to examine the underlying causes, prevalent patterns, and socio-economic factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency. The study seeks to reveal the distinct contextual elements that impact rates of adolescent delinquency. Furthermore, it examines the efficacy of current rehabilitation and intervention programs, doing a thorough evaluation of their influence on the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders. The paper aims to provide significant insights to the academic discussion and policy formulation about juvenile justice in India. In the fast-changing contemporary landscape, it is necessary to periodically update the rules pertaining to juvenile justice and the imperative of safeguarding and nurturing them. Although the 2021 Amendment law has been officially published in the gazette, it is still pending enforcement by the central authority. In theory, the process of identifying answers and making necessary changes to the law is one aspect. However, the crucial point that remains is the timing and the level of effectiveness at which these changes will be put into practice and considered successful.