Comparative Perspectives On Juvenile Justice For Heinous Offences: India And International Standards
- IJLLR Journal
- Mar 6
- 1 min read
A. Kutral Eswari BA., LL.B., Pursuing LL.M., The Central Law College
ABSTRACT
The growing involvement of juveniles in heinous offences presents a significant challenge to contemporary criminal justice systems. While juvenile justice traditionally emphasises rehabilitation and reintegration, serious offences committed by adolescents have raised concerns regarding accountability and public safety. India addressed this issue through the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which introduced a mechanism allowing juveniles aged sixteen to eighteen years accused of heinous offences to undergo preliminary assessment for possible adult trial. This article critically analyses the Indian legal framework and compares it with international standards followed in jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. The study evaluates whether India’s approach successfully balances child rights with societal protection and highlights challenges arising from inconsistent implementation of preliminary assessment procedures.
Keywords: Juvenile Justice; Heinous Offences; Child in Conflict with Law; Comparative Law; Preliminary Assessment; International Juvenile Standards.
