Misuse Of Children In Organised Crime: A Socio- Economic And Juvenile Justice Perspective
- IJLLR Journal
- Sep 27
- 1 min read
Muhammed Naseeh, LLB, Lovely Professional University
Jasdeep Kaur, Assistant Professor, School of Law, Lovely Professional University
ABSTRACT
Taking into account the socioeconomic factors, legal systems, and judicial reactions, this article investigates the alarming issue of children being exploited in India's organized crime networks. It draws attention to how social disintegration, poverty, and migration make kids more susceptible to human trafficking and illegal exploitation. Along with the constitutional guarantees (Article 23 forbidding trafficking) to protect children, it also examines India's current laws, particularly the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, the POCSO Act, and the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023. Recent rulings by the Supreme Court (such as Pinki v. State of U.P., 2025) have strengthened bail requirements for alleged traffickers and emphasized child trafficking as a horrible crime. This study examines the ways in which criminals take advantage of juvenile protections and compares rehabilitation-focused juvenile justice strategies with calls to criminalize juvenile offenders.
A comparative overview of EU, UK, and US policies shows an emphasis on treating exploited children as victims (e.g. UK “county lines” cases involve 12-year-olds in drug running). Finally, policy recommendations stress multi- sectoral prevention (poverty alleviation, education), stronger enforcement of child protection laws, and ensuring juvenile justice centers on care and reintegration. All claims are supported by recent data and case law.
