Juvenile Delinquency: Retribution/Reform?=Futuristic Vision VIS a VIS Changing Scenario

The present study attempts to have a insight in to a burning issue which has caused uproar in general public, media, various state governments and central government and judiciary regarding juvenile offences, the age of juvenile and retribution/reforms required to be in pace with the changing scenario. It also attempts to reviews statistical trends of juvenile delinquency in India and around the globe with objective to plan preventive strategies for avoiding such crime. A detailed analysis of reported cases indicates that despite the reduction in total juvenile crimes, the cases involving murder, rapes, robbery, theft, hurt are found to be increasing. The impact of globalization, industrial growth, changing socio economic dynamics, increasing cost of living and expectations, escape routes and short cuts for success, degradation and disintegration of family and cultural values, substance abuse, child psychology and their overall growth as responsible law abiding citizens of the country are thought to be some of the important factors responsible for such crimes. This paper stresses that, inculcation of social and moral values, better living conditions, better job opportunities, fast judicial trials, good rehabilitation programs and a forward looking law to be some solutions to this present and clear danger.