The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 was enacted to ensure a child-friendly justice system rooted in rehabilitation, reintegration, and the best interests of the child. Yet, despite its progressive intent, India’s juvenile justice mechanism continues to be marred by systemic delays and high pendency of cases. Drawing on the India Justice Report (IJR) 2024—which highlights that over 55% of cases before 362 Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) remain pending—this paper critically analyses the structural, administrative, and procedural shortcomings that contribute to prolonged inquiries. Key factors include understaffed JJBs, weak legal aid support, poor data management, lack of coordination among statutory bodies, and delayed submission of Social Investigation Reports. The study examines the detrimental impact of such delays on juveniles, including violation of statutory timelines under Section 14, non-compliance with India’s obligations under the UNCRC, increased exposure to criminogenic environments, loss of educational opportunities, psychological distress, and heightened risk of long-term criminalisation. The paper argues that pendency not only undermines the rehabilitative framework of the JJ Act but also erodes trust in the juvenile justice system. It proposes multi-level reforms such as strengthening institutional capacity, improving coordination, adopting diversion and restorative justice mechanisms, digitising case management, and establishing fast-track inquiry models. The analysis underscores that reducing pendency is not merely an administrative necessity but a legal and moral imperative essential for safeguarding children’s rights and ensuring effective juvenile justice in India.
