Child Rights And Protection In India: Law, Policy And Social Justice
- IJLLR Journal
- 4 minutes ago
- 1 min read
Nasima Aktara Choudhury, Assam University, Silchar
ABSTRACT
Child protection remains a significant concern in India despite the existence of an extensive constitutional and statutory framework aimed at safeguarding children's rights. Vulnerable children continue to face multiple forms of exploitation, including child labour, trafficking, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, child marriage, and denial of access to education and healthcare. This article examines the legal and institutional framework governing child protection in India, with particular emphasis on constitutional safeguards, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, and other child welfare legislations. It further analyzes different forms of child abuse and highlights the legal challenges arising from child marriage and sexual exploitation in light of recent judicial developments. The article argues that legal protection alone is insufficient without effective governance, institutional accountability, and social justice. It emphasizes the need for inclusive public policies that address structural inequalities arising from poverty, gender discrimination, caste-based exclusion, disability, and regional disparities. The study concludes that strengthening implementation mechanisms, improving coordination among child protection institutions, enhancing public awareness, and ensuring equitable access to education, healthcare, nutrition, and social security are essential for creating a child-sensitive governance framework capable of securing the rights and holistic development of every child in India.
Keywords: Child Protection, Child Rights, POCSO Act, Juvenile Justice Act, Child Marriage, Social Justice, Governance, Child Abuse.
