Juvenile Delinquency in India

Abstract

Juvenile delinquency in India represents a complex socio-legal and psychological phenomenon shaped by historical evolution, socio-economic disparities, family structures, peer dynamics, community environments, and mental health factors. This article provides a comprehensive overview of juvenile delinquency by tracing its development from the colonial period to the post-independence era and recent reforms. During the colonial era, legislations such as the Indian Penal Code introduced distinctions between adult and juvenile offenders but largely emphasized punitive justice over rehabilitation. Post-independence reforms, particularly through the Juvenile Justice Act and later the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, marked a paradigm shift toward a child-centric, reformative, and restorative justice framework aligned with international standards.The article examines the prevalence and patterns of juvenile delinquency in India, highlighting statistical trends reported by the National Crime Records Bureau and acknowledging the challenges of underreporting and regional disparities. It categorizes types of offenses, including property crimes, substance abuse, violence, cybercrimes, and sexual offenses, and analyzes manifestations such as repeat offending, gang involvement, and school disengagement.

Further, the study explores multi-level contributing factors—individual (mental health disorders, personality traits, trauma), family (parental neglect, criminality, substance abuse), peer (peer pressure, gang associations), and community (poverty, social disorganization, lack of resources). By integrating sociological and psychological perspectives, the article underscores the importance of preventive interventions, early mental health support, family strengthening measures, and community-based rehabilitation programs. Ultimately, it emphasizes that an effective juvenile justice system must balance accountability with compassion, prioritizing rehabilitation and reintegration while safeguarding societal interests