Juvenile Delinquency: Criminal Justice System and Youth Development Program | Eshti Kapoor | TLCJW5N7EMXD

Post published:22/04/2023
Post category:Volume I Issue 1
Reading time:6 mins read

Juvenile Delinquency: Criminal Justice System and Youth Development Program

Written by: Eshti Kapoor

Introduction

In India, juvenile crime is a grim reality. A juvenile is a youngster who has not reached the age at which he can be held accountable for his criminal activities in the same way that an adult can. They are involved in a variety of criminal situations, ranging from theft to murder, smuggling, and sexual offences. Humans under the age of 18 are considered juveniles.

Responsible individuals with the ability to express and resolve problems while working together for civic betterment are critical to our world’s future. The purpose of the Juvenile Justice Act is to protect, treat, and rehabilitate juveniles who have committed a crime as a result of external influences. They are transported to juvenile homes, where they get a variety of services such as health, education, and vocational training in order to help them live a healthy life once their punishment years are through.

Meaning and Definition

Juvenile refers to youngsters who have not yet achieved adulthood in the sense that they are still immature or juvenile.

Delinquency is a peculiar condition. The term “delinquency” refers to an individual’s behaviour that deviates from the norms of social life.

As a result, juvenile delinquency is defined as a person under the age of 18 who breaks the law.

Juvenile Justice and the Constitution of India

The Indian Constitution is regarded as the country’s fundamental law. Citizens’ rights and responsibilities are outlined in the Constitution. It also includes provisions for the proper operation of government machinery.

Part III of the Constitution establishes Fundamental Rights for citizens, while Part IV establishes Directive Principles of State Policies (DPSP), which serve as general principles in the formulation of government policies. Some basic rights and provisions, particularly for the welfare of children, are enshrined in the Constitution are-

All children aged 6 to 14 have the right to a free and compulsory primary education.[1]
Right to be protected from hazardous employment under the age of fourteen.[2]
The right to be safeguarded from adult abuse in whatever form.[3]
The right to be free from human trafficking and the system of forced bonded labour.[4]
The right to a healthy diet and a comfortable living environment.[5]
It grants the state with unique powers to make special legislation for the benefit and upliftment of children and women.[6]

As a result, when crafting the Juvenile Act of 2015, lawmakers considered all of the Constitution’s necessary provisions to ensure that children’s rights are safeguarded in every way possible.

For the same reason, Chapter IV of the Act establishes provisions for the welfare of juveniles, with a focus on the Reformation and Rehabilitation of Juveniles in all circumstances.

Criminal Justice System[7]

In the Indian legal system, juvenile justice is defined as a legal framework that specifies justice for juveniles. Juvenile delinquency is given preferential attention and protection by the system. The accused’s age is considered one of the most essential factors in determining his or her maturity level. The rising crime rate raises the question of whether or not a child may be tried as an adult? …………………………………… To Read Full Paper Click on the download button below.

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