Published Paper Details:

Children are among the most vulnerable members of society, and the growing incidence of sexual offences against them underscores the urgent need for comprehensive legal safeguards. In India, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, form the legislative bedrock for addressing such crimes--both from the perspective of victim protection and juvenile justice. This research undertakes a critical examination of these two pivotal laws, assessing their effectiveness in preventing abuse, delivering justice, and ensuring the welfare of affected children. The study explores the practical challenges involved in their implementation, including institutional shortcomings, enforcement bottlenecks, and judicial interpretations. It further highlights how legal provisions interact with child psychology and procedural sensitivities. By analyzing relevant case law, policy frameworks, and ground realities, the paper aims to evaluate the extent to which these laws have succeeded in their objectives. Finally, it offers constructive recommendations to strengthen the protective mechanisms for children, contributing to the broader goal of building a safer, more just society for the nation's youth. Furthermore, the paper discusses persistent issues such as victim stigmatization, delayed justice, lack of child-friendly legal processes, and the need for specialized training among stakeholders. By identifying systemic loopholes and offering evidence-based recommendations, this research seeks to contribute to ongoing policy reforms and advocate for a more sensitive, child-centric approach to justice. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts in creating a safe and supportive environment for every child, thereby steering society towards a more secure and compassionate future.