Published Online: July 28, 2025
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The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, represents a landmark piece of legislation in India aimed at addressing the welfare and rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law. The Act has been a subject of intense debate, as it attempts to balance the dual objectives of ensuring the welfare of children and safeguarding public safety. This paper critically examines the Juvenile Justice Act of 2015, focusing on its impact on child welfare, its approach to accountability, and its broader implications for public safety. Through a comprehensive review of its provisions, judicial interpretations, and empirical studies, this paper aims to assess whether the Act successfully achieves its goal of child welfare while maintaining societal protection, or whether it tilts the balance too far in favor of public safety at the cost of children's rights.
Keywords
Juvenile Justice Act 2015, Child welfare, Public safety, Juvenile crime, Rehabilitation, Juvenile justice system.