Juvenile Justice in India: Legal Safeguards and Implementation Issues

Abstract

India's juvenile justice system represents a complex intersection of legal reform, social welfare, and criminal justice administration. This paper examines the effectiveness of legal safeguards established under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and analyzes persistent implementation challenges that undermine the system's rehabilitative objectives. Through doctrinal legal analysis and empirical evidence review, this study identifies significant gaps between legislative intent and practical application. The research reveals that while India has developed a comprehensive legal framework aligned with international standards, structural deficiencies in infrastructure, human resources, and inter-agency coordination continue to impede effective implementation. The findings suggest that despite progressive legal reforms, systemic issues including inadequate juvenile homes, insufficient trained personnel, and delayed proceedings compromise the protection and rehabilitation of young offenders. This analysis contributes to understanding the complexities of juvenile justice reform in developing nations and provides recommendations for bridging the implementation gap.