Juvenile Justice In Practice: Balancing Rehabilitation And Accountability
- IJLLR Journal
- Feb 28
- 1 min read
Sania Y, Christ (Deemed to be University)
ABSTRACT
The rehabilitation of young offenders and accountability to victims are conflicting but vital goals in India's juvenile justice framework. Through a detailed analysis of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, its Model Rules, and international benchmarks (such as Beijing, and Riyadh Rules), the study examines the legal expectations of rehabilitation in relation to judicial limitations and protections. It also reviews significant Supreme Court rulings Pratap Singh, Hari Ram, Sheela Barse, Salil Bali, Subramanian Swamy, among others to illustrate how legal precedent has increasingly favoured the date-of- offense criterion for determining juvenility, permitted claims at any stage of proceedings, and mandated separation from adult judicial systems, all while acknowledging societal concerns following severe crimes. Insights gained from this analysis, along with trends from the NCRB and contemporary research, suggest that rehabilitation-focused strategies such as diversion, educational/vocational training, counselling, restorative practices, and structured aftercare can reduce recidivism and better meet the needs of victims when complemented by appropriate and proportionate consequences (like community service, restitution, and probation). The ongoing issues reside not in the framework of the law itself, but in its execution: inconsistent resources, protracted investigations, limited mental health services, and restricted victim involvement. The paper suggests personalized assessments, regular restorative alternatives, enhanced aftercare services, definitive national protocols for the transfer of 16–18-year-olds, and prompt investigations. Ultimately, sustainable public safety in juvenile justice is achieved through accountability that educates and rehabilitation that endures, rather than through punitive measures modelled after adult systems.
Keywords: Juvenile Justice Act 2015, Rehabilitation, Accountability, Restorative justice, Judicial Interpretation, Child Rights.
