Abstract

This research looks at India's juvenile justice system from every angle possible, including its history, current structure, effects, socioeconomic considerations, compliance with international human rights standards, foreign comparisons, and most recent advancements and reforms. The Indian juvenile justice system (JJS) has evolved to prioritize rehabilitative measures above punitive ones. When it comes to protecting the rights and welfare of juvenile offenders, the Juvenile Justice Acts of 1986, 2000, and 2015 stand out as major pieces of legislation. The new laws represent a compromise between rehabilitation and responsibility, and they are designed to protect the child's best interests. Poverty, a lack of education, and a lack of employment opportunities are only some of the structural challenges that contribute to the rise in juvenile delinquency. Per international human rights laws and the UNCRC in particular, India's juvenile justice system is founded on concepts like the child's best interests, nondiscrimination, and rehabilitation. By contrasting their practices with those of the United States and the United Kingdom, India's unique approach stands out. New data on juvenile delinquency emphasizes the importance of data-driven policymaking and points to practical methods for rehabilitating and reintegrating young people at the state level. Finding a middle ground between these three aims in India's juvenile justice system is challenging. India may be able to build a more equitable society for its young offenders by prioritising information, providing funding for education, and supporting human rights principles.

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