PROTECTING CHILDREN IN CONFLICT WITH THE LAW: AN ANALYSIS OF INDIA’S JUVENILE JUSTICE FRAMEWORK

AUTHOR – LEELAVANTHI SUBRAMANIAM, SCHOLAR AT SASTRA DEEMED UNIVERSITY

BEST CITATION – LEELAVANTHI SUBRAMANIAM, PROTECTING CHILDREN IN CONFLICT WITH THE LAW: AN ANALYSIS OF INDIA’S JUVENILE JUSTICE FRAMEWORK, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (1) OF 2025, PG. 1454-1462, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the legal framework governing juvenile offenders in India, focusing on the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and its recent amendments, particularly the Juvenile Justice Amendment Bill, 2021. It analyzes the implications of reclassifying certain offenses as non-cognizable, which may hinder timely reporting and judicial recourse for child victims. The study draws attention to structural obstacles to the Act’s implementation, such as the length of adoption procedures and the efficiency of Child Welfare committees. Additionally, it explores the intersection of the Juvenile Justice Act with other legal provisions, such as the Indian Penal Code and the POCSO Act, emphasizing their collective impact on safeguarding children’s rights. Through a review of relevant case law and judicial interventions, this research advocates for reforms that enhance legal protections for juveniles while ensuring accountability within the justice system. The findings underscore the necessity for a cohesive legal approach to juvenile justice in India.