Abstract

The intersection of juvenile justice and mental health presents a critical challenge within legal frameworks worldwide, requiring a balance between accountability, rehabilitation, and mental health considerations. This research paper provides an exhaustive analysis of the legal, psychological, and neuroscientific dimensions influencing juvenile delinquency, particularly within the Indian legal framework under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (JJ Act) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act). It critically examines the neuroscientific findings regarding adolescent brain development—particularly the underdevelopment of the prefrontal cortex and heightened activity in the limbic system—which contribute to increased impulsivity, risk-taking behavior, and susceptibility to peer pressure. This paper delves into the legal precedents that recognize the reduced culpability of juveniles, drawing from landmark U.S. Supreme Court rulings such as Roper v. Simmons , Graham v. Florida, and Miller v. Alabama , as well as Indian case law, including Salil Bali v. Union of India and Shilpa Mittal v. State of NCT of Delhi. The research also highlights the contradictions between rehabilitation-based juvenile justice principles and the punitive mechanisms introduced through the 2015 amendment to the JJ Act, which allows juveniles aged 16-18 to be tried as adults for heinous offenses. It further critiques the strict liability framework of the POCSO Act, which has inadvertently criminalized consensual adolescent relationships, leading to judicial scrutiny in cases such as Sabari v. Inspector of Police . Empirical data underscores that 65-70% of juveniles in conflict with the law suffer from mental health disorders, such as conduct disorder, ADHD, PTSD, and depression, which significantly impact their behavior and ability to foresee legal consequences . Drawing from comparative legal models in Norway , Germany , New Zealand , and the United Kingdom , the paper advocates for restorative justice mechanisms, juvenile diversion programs, and mandatory forensic psychological assessments before transferring juveniles to adult courts. This research ultimately calls for a paradigm shift from a punitive model to a rehabilitative, evidence-based legal framework that integrates mental health assessments, neuroscientific findings, and restorative justice practices. It proposes legislative amendments, including close-in-age exceptions under the POCSO Act, standardized psychological assessments for juveniles accused of serious crimes, and enhanced judicial discretion to ensure a just, scientific, and rehabilitative juvenile justice system in India.

Keywords