"A child is a person who is going to carry on what you have started. He is going to sit where you are sitting, and when you are gone, attend to those things you think are important. You may adopt all the policies you please, but how they are carried out depends on him. He is going to move in and take over your churches, schools, universities, and corporations. The fate of humanity is in his hands." -- Abraham Lincoln

Juvenile delinquency is a significant complex social issue in India. Juvenile Delinquency refers to the involvement or participation of minors, typically individual below the age of 18 years as per statute, in illegal activities. Such behavior can include theft, drug abuse, assault, and other crimes. Juvenile Delinquency in India has garnered significant attention due to its potential long term consequences on both individuals as well as society at large. The root cause of juvenile delinquency in India is complex and multifaceted, including factors such as poverty, lack of education, peer pressure, and parental neglect.

In India, the legal framework governing juvenile delinquency is primarily the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of children) Act, 2015[1]. The primary focus of this act is on the rehabilitation and reintegration of juveniles in the society. This act provides statutory recognition to child in conflict with law as well as child in need of care and protection. The sole objective of the act is rehabilitation of juveniles rather than punitive measures.[2] It recognizes that child may engage in criminal behavior or wrongful act due to various factors such as family dysfunction, poverty, peer pressure, lack of education, or excessive exposure to violence.

The causes of juvenile delinquency in India are multifaceted and often interconnected. Such as socioeconomic factors plays a significant role, with poverty, unemployment and inadequate access to education, lack of resources contributing to hopelessness and desperation among young people. Family related issues, including parental neglect, abuse, and also violence highly contribute to juvenile delinquency.[3]

Furthermore, rapid urbanization, globalization and excessive exposure to media or violent media have led to significant cultural shift, affecting the values, attitude and aspirations of Indian youth. This give rise to peer pressure and desire for acceptance in youth to engage in delinquent, wrongful activities such as drug abuse, theft, vandalism and involvement in more heinous crimes such as rape, sexual harassment, acid attack etc.

For the protection and rehabilitation of juvenile, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of children) Act, 2015 provides special provisions for establishment of juvenile courts or juvenile justice board as per the statute. The role of the juvenile court in controlling and preventing juvenile delinquency is multifaceted. One of the primary objectives of the juvenile court is to rehabilitate juvenile offenders and prevent them from committing further crimes. The court does this by providing counseling and other services to help minors overcome the underlying causes of their criminal behavior.[4] In some cases, the court may also order minors to participate in community service or other programs that can help them develop new skills and interests.

Another important role of the juvenile court is to protect the rights of minors who have been accused of committing crimes. The court ensures that minors are not subjected to harsh punishments or treated unfairly due to their age. For example, the court may decide to keep minors in juvenile detention centers instead of adult prisons, where they may be at risk of physical and emotional abuse.

The juvenile court also plays a critical role in preventing juvenile delinquency by addressing the root causes of the problem. This includes addressing issues such as poverty, lack of education, and parental neglect, which can lead to juvenile delinquency. The court may work with other government agencies and non-profit organizations to provide minors with access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.

The juvenile court system in India also emphasizes the importance of restorative justice, which focuses on repairing the harm caused by the juvenile offender and restoring relationships with the victim and the community.[5] This approach is in contrast to punitive justice, which focuses on punishing the offender for their crimes. Restorative justice can help juvenile offenders understand the impact of their actions and take responsibility for their behavior.

In conclusion, the role of the juvenile court in controlling and preventing juvenile delinquency in India is critical. The court plays a multifaceted role in rehabilitating juvenile offenders, protecting their rights, addressing the root causes of juvenile delinquency, and promoting restorative justice. By providing a separate legal framework for minors and emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation and prevention, the juvenile court system can help reduce juvenile delinquency in India and promote the well-being of minors who have committed crimes

Juvenile:

A juvenile can be considered as an individual who has not attained the age of majority or who is below the 18 years of age.[6] Earlier criminal justice system didn't provide for separate legislation for juvenile but with rise of incidents where juvenile participate criminal activities, a separate act was introduced for rehabilitation of such juveniles.

As per Section 2(a) of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 1986[7] "Juvenile" or "child" is an individual who has not attained the 16 years of age in the case of boy and 18 years of age in the case of girls. But due to this discriminatory provision, amendments were made in the and with that Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000[8] was introduced, under section 2 (k) of the act "Juvenile" or "child" is an individual who has not completed 18 years to age for girls as well as for boys.

Doctrine of Doli Incapax:
The doctrine of Doli Incapax is considered as one of the most important as well as debatable principles of criminal jurisprudence. Doli Incapax means incapability of an individual of committing a crime.[9] The impact of this doctrine can be founder under article 40 (3) (a) of UN Convetion on Rights of Child[10], which provides that every country is required to mention the minimum age for an individual or child who has be exempted from any kind of criminal proceeding or criminal liability and for the children between 8 to 14 years of age, it shall be the responsibility of the prosecution to prove the commission of an offence.

The reflection of this doctrine can be found under section 82 and section 83 of Indian Penal Code[11] which provides for exemption of child below the age of 7 years from any criminal proceeding.

The main aims of the doctrine:

• To protect the child from gravity of the punishment for the act committed as well as promote reformative approach to make child overcome the trauma and fear.
• A child, who is below the 7 years of age, doesn't have a capacity or mental understanding to analyze the repercussions of his/her action or may lack awareness or strong intention which can compel him to commit such offence. A mere "Actus Reus" can't be considered as enough ground for prosecution unless it is associated with malafide intention or "Mens Rea"[12]

The Supreme Court of India has in the case of Kakoo vs. State of Himachal Pradesh[13] mitigated the penalty for 13 years old minor boy, who committed rape against 2-year-old girl. In doing so, the court applied section 83 and 84 of IPC, which states that juveniles should not be treated as adults. This highlights an established legal principle that court should adopt rehabilitative and compassionate approaches when dealing with juvenile offenders.

In Salil Bali vs. UOI & Anr[14], petition was filed for amending the prevailing Juvenile Justice Act of 2000 to reduce the prescribed age of juvenile from 18 to 16 or in any such manner where any juvenile who commit a heinous offence like rape, murder as well as sexual harassment shall be tried as a person who has attained majority or as an adult. But Supreme Court didn't agree with the notion stating that the Act is based on the sound principles as per the grundnorm, Indian Constitution.

But in year 2012, with the infamous case of "Nirbhaya Gangrape case", this provision gave rise to controversial debate as one of the prime accused under this case was juvenile under the age of 18 years and Apex Court in the case of Mukesh and Anr vs State of Delhi[15] refused to punish the accused with harsher punishment and continued to try him as a juvenile. Later on, the legislature came up with certain amendments with Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

Where it was provided that if a juvenile between the age group of 16 to 18 and commits a heinous crime (punishment is more than 7 years of imprisonment) then he shall be tried as an adult if after preliminary inquiry, Juvenile Justice Board come to conclusion that a person has mental and physical capability of committing such heinous act and understand the consequences of his actions.[16]

Juvenile Delinquency In India:

Juvenile Delinquency is believed to be derived from Latin word "Delinquer", means "to omit". Later on the term was commonly used by Romans to describe a person who failed to perform the task or duty allocated to him/her.[17]

Juvenile delinquency refers to criminal act committed by individual who are below the age of 18 years. The issue of juvenile delinquency is a growing concern in India, as country witnesses a significant rise in the involvement of young people in various criminal activities. Understanding the phenomenon causes behind this rise is crucial for effective control and prevention of juvenile delinquency.

In 2021, a total of 31,170 cases were filed against juvenile across the country, it shows 4.7% rise than 2020. A majority of them 76.3% cases or approx 28,539 cases where the children committed the offence fall within the age group of 16 to 18.[18]

Causes for Juvenile Delinquency:

In the developing country like India, juvenile delinquency can be seen as a huge problem that destroys the lives of the majority of the young individuals. Juvenile criminality and other related issues pose numerous challenges and consequences for adolescents, their families, and society at large. Victims are the most visible people harmed by actions of juveniles.^[19] In India, a variety of variables contribute to adolescent misbehavior. Psychological, socioeconomic, political, and cultural issues are key contributors to the repercussions of adolescent delinquency in the country as well as around the world.

1. Socioeconomic Factors

   One of the prime causes of juvenile delinquency in the country is the influence of socioeconomic factors such as poverty, unemployment, as well as lack of educational opportunities that give rise to a sense of hopelessness and lead to frustration among young individuals.^[20] These factors push and provoke them towards engaging in criminal and wrongful activities as a means of survival or to fulfill their materialistic needs and desires.
    

2. Broken Families

   The breaking down of families and the absence of proper parental guidance play a significant role in fostering juvenile delinquency. Divorce, single-parent households, neglect, abuse, and domestic violence create an unstable and hostile environment for children. This instability can lead to emotional and behavioral issues and provoke them to participate in rebellious or attention-seeking activities.^[21]
    

3. Peer Pressure

   Peer pressure is a significant cause of juvenile delinquency, as it exerts a strong and effective influence on the behavior and choices of young individuals. Peer pressure refers to the social influence exerted by one's peers, often leading individuals to conform to the norms and values of their peer groups, even if it leads to engagement in delinquent or criminal activities.^[22] During adolescence, individuals experience a strong desire to fit in and be accepted by their group or peers. This need or urge for social acceptance can lead young people to engage in activities that might be inappropriate or against the law.
    

4. Media Influence

   The influence of media, especially violent content telecasted through movies, television, and video games, highly contributes to aggressive behavior and desensitization towards violence among young individuals.^[23] Exposure to glamorized criminal acts may distort their perception of right and wrong, making them more susceptible to engaging in delinquent and wrongful behavior.
    

5. Lack of Education

   Limited access to quality education, inadequate school infrastructure, and ineffective teaching methods contribute to juvenile delinquency. When young individuals are deprived of educational opportunities, it increases the likelihood of school dropouts, reduces future prospects, and encourages engagement in criminal activities.

Juvenile Court System In India:

After Independence, one of the prime requirements was to safeguard the child and juvenile in conflict with law. As a result, the historical background of the special juvenile legislation can be traced back to the time when constitution of India made an attempt to safeguard its significance with fundamental rights and states were imposed duties to implement these rights through duty under state policy.

The enactment of Children's Act in year 1960 led to extremely helpful legislation in the country. This Act effectively prevented or forbided young individuals from being incarnated by providing them with successful comprehensive support such as welfare, monitoring, educational session and other training. Notably, the Act introduced introduced several remarkable features, including establishment of observation homes and specialized educational system. Furthermore, it expanded the scope of Juvenile Court in India to encompass a wide range of criminal offences, especially minor crimes as well as raised the age limit for girls to 18 years.

Later on, the jurisdiction of Juvenile Court in India is determined by Code of Criminal Procedure,1973 which limits its authority to individuals under the age of 16 years who have not committed an offence which is punishable by death sentence of life imprisonment.[24] In India, the juvenile courts are required to take care of the cases involving minor's participation with utmost sensitivity and caution, considering unique circumstances surrounding each juvenile offender.

The enactment of juvenile justice Act in 2000 aimed align with the principles set forth by UN Convention. The foremost concern of this Act was rehabilitation of minors in conflict with law. Furthermore, under section 4 of Juvenile Justice Act, 2000 Juvenile Justice Board came into operation.

The Juvenile Justice Act of 2015, introduces differential punishments for child in conflict with law falling within the age group of 16-18, who are accused of committing serious offences carrying punishment of 7 year or more. The Juvenile Justice Board, after conducting initial assessment and its own discretion,[25] determines whether there is a requirement of matter to be heard by the Board or there is need to transfer such matter to children's court.

The Children's Court is organized either as per the Commission of Protection of Child Rights Act of 2005, the Special Court established under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act of 2012, or the Court of Session in cases where the aforementioned special courts have not been established.

Role and Responsibility of Children's Court:

• Adjudication: The Children's Court is accountable for hearing and deciding cases involving children, especially those accused of committing offences or children in conflict with law as well as children in need of care and protection. It conducts fair and impartial proceedings to determine appropriate legal actions and outcomes for the children involved.
• Protection and Welfare: The foremost attention of Children's Court is to ensure the protection and welfare of children. It considers or takes into account the best interest of the child or juvenile while deciding about their care, custody, rehabilitation, and support.
• Rehabilitation and Reintegration: One of the significant roles of Children's Court is to ensure rehabilitation and reintegration of children who have been involved in criminal activities. It considers measures aimed at addressing the underlying causes of their behavior, providing guidance, and facilitating their reintegration back in the society.
• Legal Safeguards: The Children's Court ensures that children are afforded their legal rights and protection through the judicial process. It ensures safeguarding the rights of children in conflict with law regarding fair trial, legal representation as well as confidentiality and privacy.
• Collaboration and Coordination: The Children's Court collaborates with various stakeholders, including social workers, probation officers, child welfare agencies, and legal professionals, to gather all relevant information and develop appropriate plans and interventions for the well-being of children.
• Educational Support: The Children's Court also addresses matters regarding a child's education, such as school attendance, special educational needs, or access to educational programs and services.
   

Juvenile Justice Board (JJB)

The Juvenile Justice Board, also known as the JJB or Board, serves as the adjudicating authority for children or juveniles who are involved in conflicts with the law. The powers, functions, and responsibilities of the Board are outlined in Section 8 of the Juvenile Justice Act, which provides guidance on the procedures to be followed.

Composition of the JJB

According to Section 4 of the Juvenile Justice Act, the JJB consists of a Principal Magistrate and two Social Work Members, with at least one member being a woman. Together, they form a Bench. The Magistrate and social work members must possess relevant work experience or training in the field of child-related matters.

Orders of the JJB

The JJB is empowered to issue orders at various stages of the proceedings, even if the complete quorum of three members is not available. However, when passing the Final Order, at least two members, including the Principal Magistrate, must be present. In cases where there is a difference of opinion within the Bench, the majority opinion prevails. If there is no majority, the opinion of the Principal Magistrate takes precedence.

• In the landmark case of Puneet S vs. State of Karnataka, the Karnataka High Court established that the Juvenile Justice Board alone possesses the authority to determine whether a crime committed by a juvenile is severe or not.
• In State of Himachal Pradesh vs. Happy, it was ruled that an issue ordered by a Magistrate presiding over the Juvenile Justice Board, when the board does not meet the composition requirements outlined in the Juvenile Justice Act, holds no legal validity and is considered void.
• In the case of Re Exploitation of in Orphanage in Tamil Nadu vs. Union of India & Ors, the Supreme Court emphasized that the Juvenile Justice Board should not act as a silent spectator during trial. The Juvenile Justice Board has a crucial role to play and should not remain passive. It is the responsibility of the Juvenile Justice Board to grant bail to the child in such cases.

Procedure before Children's Court:

First Presentation of the Child before the JJB:

• Inquiring about the child's background, health, and whether the family or guardian has been informed about the child's apprehension or admission in the Observation Home. They also consider any special circumstances related to the child, such as a crisis at home, community tension due to the offense, or upcoming exams.
• Interacting with the family or guardian, if they are available.
• Ensuring access to free legal aid, if needed.
• Assessing whether the child has been subjected to any mistreatment by the police. If the child discloses such mistreatment, directing the child for a medical examination and initiating further action.
• Directing the Probation Officer or a designated social worker to conduct a social investigation and prepare the Social Investigation Report (S.I.R) within fifteen days from the date of the initial presentation.
• Directing the child to be admitted to the Observation Home if, for some reason, the bail process is not completed or denied.

As per Rule 29(1)(i) of the Juvenile Justice Model Rules, 2016, separate Observation Homes for boys and girls should be implemented, taking into account their physical and mental health, as well as the severity of the committed offense.

The Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) is required to issue a preliminary assessment order after carefully considering three factors: the child's mental and physical capability to commit the alleged offense, their understanding of the consequences of the offense, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged offense.

Following the completion of a preliminary assessment and providing the child with a hearing, as stipulated in Section 18(3) of the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act, 2015, the JJB may decide to transfer a child in conflict with the law to the criminal justice system. In such cases, the jurisdiction to try these specific offenses lies with the Children's Court.[32]

When issuing an order under Section 18(3), it is essential for all three members of the JJB to be present to ensure a majority decision. If the Principal Magistrate and one social work member are present, and they hold different viewpoints, the dissenting social work member should record their disagreement. This allows for the divergent perspectives to be brought to the attention of the appellate court. Additionally, it is mandatory for the JJB to provide reasons for such an order.[33]

Transfer to the Children's Court
According to Section 18(3) of the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act, 2015, the case is transferred to the Children's Court that has the authority to try such offenses. The term "Children's Court" refers to a court established under the Commissions for the Protection of Child Rights Act[34], or a Special Court established under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act[35].In cases where these designated courts are not available, the Court of Sessions with jurisdiction to try offenses under the Act assumes responsibility[36].

When a child in conflict with the law is transferred to the criminal court system, they no longer have access to social work intervention and rehabilitative programs that are provided under the juvenile justice legislation.

Judicial Approach For Prevention Of Juvenile Delinquency:

• Admonition. Admonition is an alternative sentence provided by the laws in India. The primary responsibility of the court is to assess the offenses committed by the offender. First-time offenders should be handled with care rather than harshness. Admonition entails releasing the offender after advising them against engaging in the same or any other illegal activity. It serves as a warning to prevent the offender from repeating their actions and encourages their reformation to become a law-abiding citizen and reintegrate into society. According to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act of 2000, a juvenile is defined as a person below 18 years of age who has committed a criminal act. It is the duty of the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) to conduct an inquiry and establish the juvenile's involvement in the offense[37]. If, during the inquiry, the board determines it appropriate, they can release the juvenile with advice or admonition. Prior to releasing the juvenile, counseling is also provided to their parents or guardians, as mandated by Section 15(1) of the Act.
   
• Release For A Good Conduct On Probation. Probation refers to the supervised monitoring of first-time offenders or young offenders who have committed their initial offense. The basic procedure of probation entails that the offender under supervision must refrain from further criminal activity and regularly report to a probation officer. Another aspect of probation involves assessing the suitability and behavior of the individual under specific circumstances.[38] As per Section 5 of the Juvenile Justice Act, if a juvenile is found to have committed an offense and the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), upon conducting an inquiry, deems it appropriate to release the offender on probation, it may do so, even if any other law in force contradicts this decision. The juvenile may be placed under the care of:
  • A parent, guardian, or other suitable person who will execute a bond, with or without surety, as required by the Board, to ensure the juvenile's good behavior for a period not exceeding three years.
  • A suitable institution for a duration not exceeding three years.
     
• Perform Community Service Under Section 15 of the Juvenile Justice Act, the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) has the authority to impose community service as a form of punishment for juveniles involved in conflicts with the law. This serves as a rehabilitative measure aimed at allowing the juvenile to make amends for their actions.
   
• Sending Juvenile to A Special Home
  The Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) has the authority, as per Section 15 of the Juvenile Justice Act, to issue an order for sending a juvenile to a Special Home. This order is applicable when the juvenile is between the ages of seventeen and eighteen. The juvenile is required to stay in the special home for a minimum period of two years. In other cases, the juvenile remains in the special home until they are no longer considered a juvenile.
  
  However, the Board has the discretion to reduce the period of stay in the special home after taking into account the circumstances of the case and the nature of the offense. The reasons for such reduction must be recorded. These mentioned punishments are based on the principles of the Reformative theory[39].
  
  Under the Reformative theory, the focus is not on punishing the offender, but rather on providing them with rehabilitative treatment. The aim is to reform the offender through training and guidance, enabling them to reintegrate into society after serving their sentence.

Conclusion
The role of juvenile courts in controlling and preventing juvenile delinquency in India is crucial for the well-being and future prospects of young offenders. These courts focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment, providing educational opportunities, skill development programs, and counseling to address underlying issues contributing to delinquency. The individualized approach recognizes the unique circumstances of each offender, tailoring interventions to meet their specific needs.

Preventive measures, such as early identification of at-risk youth and community involvement, help reduce delinquent behavior. Strengthening rehabilitation programs, collaboration with social welfare agencies, and continuous training for professionals are essential to enhance the effectiveness of the juvenile court system. By prioritizing rehabilitation, employing an individualized approach, and implementing preventive measures, these courts play a vital role in breaking the cycle of delinquency and promoting positive change in the lives of young offenders.

Suggestions:
To further enhance the role of juvenile courts in India in controlling and preventing juvenile delinquency, the following recommendations can be considered:

1. Strengthening Rehabilitation Programs: Enhance access to educational programs, vocational training, and counseling services within the juvenile court system. This will address the root causes of delinquency and equip young offenders with the necessary skills for a law-abiding future.
    
2. Collaboration with Social Welfare Agencies: Foster collaboration between juvenile courts and social welfare agencies to provide comprehensive support to young offenders, including access to housing, healthcare, and employment opportunities. This partnership will create a nurturing environment for rehabilitation and reintegration.
    
3. Skill Development Programs: Establish partnerships with industries and skill development programs to offer viable alternatives to delinquent behavior. By providing productive employment opportunities and facilitating skill acquisition, young offenders can find purpose and contribute positively to society.
    
4. Empowerment through Peer Support: Create peer support groups or mentoring programs within the juvenile court system. Encouraging positive interactions and role models among young offenders will foster a sense of belonging and help build constructive relationships, reducing the likelihood of reoffending.
    
5. Continuous Training and Sensitization: Provide regular training and sensitization programs for professionals working in the juvenile justice system. This training should focus on understanding child psychology, trauma-informed approaches, and evidence-based interventions. Well-informed professionals can effectively support young offenders in their rehabilitation and reintegration process.
    
6. Research and Data Analysis: Conduct research and analysis to identify the causes, risk factors, and effectiveness of interventions related to juvenile delinquency. This knowledge will inform policy decisions and shape evidence-based approaches to prevention and intervention strategies.
    
7. Community Engagement and Outreach: Engage the community through awareness campaigns, workshops, and interactive sessions to educate the public about juvenile delinquency and the role of the juvenile court system. Involving the community in prevention efforts fosters a sense of collective responsibility and contributes to reducing delinquency rates.
    
8. Family Involvement and Counseling: Involve families in the rehabilitation process by providing counseling and support services. Strengthening family bonds and addressing familial issues significantly influence a young offender's likelihood of reoffending.

Implementing these suggestions will enhance the role of juvenile courts in India, controlling and preventing juvenile delinquency, promoting rehabilitation, and facilitating positive change in the lives of young offenders.

End Notes:

1. Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of children) Act, 2015 (No. 2 of 2016)
2. Komal Audichya, Sunil Tiwari, "Juvenile Delinquency- Restorative Justice Juvenile Homes implementation is only reform", Journal of legal studies and research Vol 6 issue 2.
3. Riyaka Surong, Anniesha Lyngdoh, "A Study on causes of juvenile delinquency and its prevention by the community." The International Journal of Indian Psychology Vol 8 issue 4.
4. Zimring, Franklin E, Maximo Langer and David S Tanenhaus, "Juvenile Justice in Global Perspective", Vol 1 NYU Press, 2017
5. K D Sikka, "Functions and Future of Juvenile Courts in India", Indian Journal of Criminology Vol 3 issue 1.
6. UN General Assembly, United Nations Convention on Rights of the Child, 20 Nov. 1989, United Nations, Treaty Series Vol 1577.
7. Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of children) Act, 1986 (No. 53 of 1986)
8. Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 (No. 56 of 2000)
9. Thomas Crofts, "Reforming the age of criminal responsibility", South Africa Journal of Psychology Vol 46 issue 4.
10. ibid
11. Indian Penal Code, 1860 (No. 45 of. 1860)
12. Cynthia V Ward, "Punishing Children in Criminal Law ", Notre Dame Law Review Vol 82 issue 1.
13. Kakoo vs. State of Himachal Pradesh 1976 SC 1991
14. Salil Bali vs. UOI & Anr, Writ Petition No (C) 10 of 2013
15. Mukesh and Anr vs. State of Delhi (2017) 6 SCC 1
16. Samra Irfan, "A Quest for Justice in capital punishment: A socio-legal study of Nirbhaya Gangrape Case.", IAFOR Journal of Cultural Studies Vol 6
17. Naresh Kumar Maharajan, "Juvenile Delinquency Sociological legal perspective: Theoretical Combat in social defence", Journalism and Law Quarterly Vol 01 issue 01.
18. National Crime Record Bureau, 2021 Report
19. Sharma BR, Dhillon S, Sharmadi Bano, "Juvenile Delinquency in India- A cause for concern", Journal of Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine Vol 31 issue 1.
20. Roderik Rekker, Dustin Pardini, Loes Keijser, Susan Branje, Rolf Loeber, Wim Meeus, "Moving in and out of poverty: The within-individual association between Socioeconomic Status and Juvenile Delinquency", "PLoS One. 2015 Nov 17;10(11):e0136461. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136461. PMID: 26575271; PMCID: PMC4648521".
21. Rosemary Kakonzi Mwangagi, "The role of family in dealing with juvenile delinquency", Open Journal of Social Science Vol 7 No. 3.
22. Tomé G, Matos M, Simões C, Diniz JA, Camacho I. How can peer group influence the behavior of adolescents: explanatory model. Glob J Health Sci. 2012 Feb 29;4(2):26-35. doi: 10.5539/gjhs.v4n2p26. PMID: 22980148; PMCID: PMC4777050.
23. Anderson, Craig, Berkowitz, Leonard, Donnerstein, Edward & Huesmann, L., Johnson, James, Linz, Daniel, Malamuth, Neil and Wartella, Ellen. (2003). "The Influence of Media Violence on Youth". Psychological Science in the Public Interest.
24. Deepsikha Agrawal, "Juvenile Delinquency in India-latest trends and entailing amendments in Juvenile Justice Act.", PEOPLE: International Journal of Social Science Vol 3 issue 3.
25. Ved Kumari, "The Juvenile Justice Act 2015- critical understanding.", The Journal of Indian Law Institute 58, no. 1 (2016)
26. Anku Anand, "Juvenile Justice System: A comparative study", (Available at: https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3791374)
27. Section 4, Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, 2015 (2 of 2016)
28. Puneet S vs. State of Karnataka, 2019 SCC OnLine Kar 1835
29. Himachal Pradesh vs Happy, 2019 SCC OnLine HP 700
30. Re Exploitation of in Orphanage in Tamil Nadu vs. Union of India & Ors (2017) 7 SCC 578
31. State of Karnataka vs. Harshad 2005CriLJ 2357
32. (Available at: Preliminary Assessment To Try Juvenile As Adult - JJB Should Mandatorily Take Assistance Of Psychologist/Psycho-Social Workers : Supreme Court (livelaw.in))
33. ibid
34. Commissions for the Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005 (4 of 2006)
35. Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (32 of 2012)
36. Madhavi Gautam, "Indian Juvenile Justice System: Child Conflict with Law" (Available at: https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3664765)
37. Abhishek Singh Devanda, "Juvenile Offenders: Judicial Approach and Theories" 5(1) IJLMH p. 08-18
38. ibid
39. Shubhra Sanyal, "An Approach towards Reformation and Rehabilitation of Juveniles in Conflict with law in India" (Available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3550761)