Author(s): Anant Umaji Pawar and Dinkar Gitte

Abstract: Juvenile delinquency in India represents a complex social challenge influenced by interrelated socio-economic, familial, cultural, and institutional factors. This paper investigates the patterns, causes, legal frameworks, and rehabilitation strategies associated with juvenile crime in India. Employing an integrative review of official crime data, scholarly literature, and case studies, the study identifies poverty, family breakdown, peer influence, substance abuse, and education deficits as primary risk factors driving juvenile delinquency. Although juvenile crime rates in India are relatively lower compared to many Western countries, certain urban slums and tribal regions have witnessed increasing trends in violent and property-related offenses. The paper examines the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act of 2015, highlighting its strengths and implementation challenges. Furthermore, it explores prevention and intervention approaches, including institutional rehabilitation, community-based alternatives, and vocational training programs. The study advocates for a multi-dimensional response prioritizing early prevention, improved data collection, capacity building among stakeholders, and culturally responsive rehabilitation efforts. It concludes that effectively addressing juvenile delinquency in India requires sustained intersectoral collaboration to safeguard vulnerable youth and promote their successful social reintegration.

DOI: 10.22271/2790-0673.2025.v5.i2e.261

Pages: 465-468 | Views: 181 | Downloads: 72

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