Juvenile Justice On Trial: Forensic Psychology And The Pursuit Of Rehabilitation In India
- IJLLR Journal
- Jul 28
- 1 min read
Mary Diana, Assistant Professor of Law, Bharata Mata School of Legal Studies, Aluva
Jinu S. Krishnan, Assistant Professor of Law, Bharata Mata School of Legal Studies, Aluva
ABSTRACT
This study critically examines the underexplored interface between forensic psychology and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 in India.1 With the rising complexity of juvenile delinquency, psychological assessments—ranging from mental health evaluations to risk assessments—are becoming increasingly significant in determining a juvenile’s mental maturity, criminal intent, and rehabilitation prospects.2 However, there remains a noticeable legal vacuum regarding the formal admissibility, procedural safeguards, and evidentiary standards of such forensic psychological tools within juvenile justice adjudication. This research interrogates how Indian juvenile courts apply or ignore forensic psychological findings, scrutinizes the statutory objectives of rehabilitation as mandated under the Juvenile Justice Act, and questions whether current practices uphold constitutional protections under Articles 14, 20(3), and 21 of the Indian Constitution.3 Through an analysis of legislative texts, judicial decisions, and comparative insights from international child rights frameworks, the study reveals the pressing need for statutory reforms. It argues that properly regulated integration of forensic psychology can enhance both fair trial rights and child-centric rehabilitation, ensuring the juvenile justice system remains faithful to its welfare-oriented objectives.
