Juvenile Delinquency and Legal Aid

Children are the foundation on which the dynamic and vibrant future of a nation is built. So we can say they are the greatest asset of a nation. One can easily mould the delicate mind of a child and inclined him towards criminal activities. Juvenile delinquency is the participation by a minor child, usually between the ages of 10 and 17, in illegal behaviour or activities. The problem of juvenile delinquency is not new. It occurs in all societies simple as well as complex, that is, wherever and whenever a relationship is affected between a group of individuals leading to maladjustments and conflict. In a developing country like India the problem of juvenile neglect and delinquency is considerably low but gradually increasing according to the National crime record bureau report 2007. The General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child on 20th November, 1989 which prescribes a set of standard to be adhered to by all the States parties in securing the best interest of the child. The International bodies like United Nations and UNICEF have always paid more emphasis on the development of Child. Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 has been passed by Parliament of India amidst intense controversy, debate and protest on many of its provisions by Child Rights fraternity. It replaced the Indian juvenile delinquency law, Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, and allows for juveniles in conflict with Law in the age group of 16–18, involved in Heinous Offences, to be tried as adults. The Act came into force from 15 January 2016. To streamline adoption procedures for orphan, abandoned and surrendered children, the existing Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) has been given the status of a statutory body to enable it to perform its function more effectively. A separate chapter on Adoption provides detailed provisions relating to adoption and punishments for non compliance. Processes have been streamlined with timelines for both in-country and inter-country adoption including declaring a child legally free for adoption.