Published Paper Details:

Juvenile Delinquency in India: A Critical Examination of Child Rights and Legal Frameworks Abstract Juvenile delinquency remains a significant concern in India, where an increasing number of children are becoming involved in criminal activities. This article critically examines juvenile delinquency in the Indian context, focusing on the intersection of child rights and the legal frameworks designed to address this issue. Despite various legal reforms, particularly the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, the challenges of aligning child rights with legal responses to juvenile delinquency persist. The study explores the root causes of juvenile crime, including socio-economic factors, lack of access to education, and the breakdown of family structures. It also assesses how India's legal system both upholds and undermines the rights of children in conflict with the law, with particular attention to the adequacy of rehabilitative and restorative approaches. Through a critical evaluation of existing policies, the paper calls for an integrated child rights approach that balances the need for justice with the imperative of protecting vulnerable children. The article emphasizes the need for reforms that not only focus on punitive measures but also prioritize the rehabilitation and reintegration of juveniles into society, ensuring that their fundamental rights are upheld in every step of the legal process.