Urban Crime And Legal Control In Delhi: A Criminal Law Perspective
- IJLLR Journal
- 5 hours ago
- 1 min read
Arshiya Khan, LLB, Agnel School of Law, University of Mumbai, Navi Mumbai
ABSTRACT
Urban crime poses a persistent challenge to governance and public safety in metropolitan cities, particularly in rapidly urbanising capitals such as Delhi. Despite the existence of an extensive criminal law framework and multiple institutional reforms, Delhi continues to record high incidences of crimes against women, property offences, cybercrimes, and juvenile delinquency. This paper examines the nature and patterns of urban crime in Delhi from a criminal law perspective, with specific emphasis on the effectiveness of legal and administrative control mechanisms.
Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates secondary data from National Crime Records Bureau reports with primary data obtained through a structured public perception survey. The research further employs established criminological theories—such as Social Disorganization Theory, Strain Theory, and Procedural Justice Theory—to contextualise crime trends within Delhi’s socio-economic and institutional framework. The analysis reveals significant gaps between legislative intent and on-ground enforcement, particularly in relation to crimes against women, cyber offences, and juvenile justice.
The paper argues that weak implementation, procedural delays, and limited public trust undermine the deterrent effect of criminal law. It concludes by proposing targeted legal and policy reforms aimed at strengthening enforcement, enhancing accountability, and restoring public confidence in Delhi’s criminal justice system.
Keywords: Urban Crime, Criminal Law, Delhi, Policing, Public Perception, Legal Enforcement.
