Evaluation of the Development Journey and Effectiveness of Indian Juvenile Justice Law

The basic objective of the juvenile justice system is to protect the best interests of children and to reintegrate them into the mainstream of society. But in the context of serious crimes, the question has always been raised before the Indian legislature and judiciary whether juveniles should be punished or rehabilitated. The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 further intensifies this debate as it provides for the punishment of juveniles in the age group of 16–18 years for committing serious crimes as adults. The present research article critically analyses the conflict between rehabilitation and punishment in the Indian juvenile justice system and throws light on the judicial approach, legal provisions and future prospects.