The Need of Protection and Care to Young Generation: A Critical Study of Juvenile Justice System in India

The failure of an individual to revamp his own behavior and conduct with regard to the demand of the society in which he resides leads to a Delinquent behavior. It is an internationally accepted principle that any individual below the age of 18 shall be deemed a "child". But, The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 proposes to reduce the age limit of criminal responsibility from 18 to 16 years, which came as a roar to the child rights activists across the country as it directly or indirectly affects the rights and status of children. The responses to situations by state or non state actors require a more careful consideration. Violations of the law by young people are the reflections of immature or maladjusted personalities. The rejection, tension, anxiety, lack of affection, frustration, poor living conditions, inhuman treatment, broken homes, dissatisfaction are some of the reasons of delinquency. It is believed that an early step intervention provides as the best approach to prevent delinquency by Juveniles. Prevention not only requires individual but also group and organizational approaches aimed at keeping adolescents away from violating the laws. Children being the asset of the country should be looked after and groomed well not merely on the basis of statutory or constitutional provisions but also with great humane touch and concern. This paper critically examines the present day juvenile jurisprudence, causes of juvenile delinquency and finally delivers suggestions for prevention.