Overview
India recorded a rise in juvenile crime cases in 2024, according to the National Crime Records Bureau. The number of cases registered against juveniles increased from 31,365 in 2023 to 34,878 in 2024. The juvenile crime rate also increased from 7.1 to 7.9.
Most juveniles apprehended belonged to the 16–18 years age group. The report also showed a rise in crimes against children across the country.
What Is Juvenile Crime?
Children in Conflict With Law
Under Indian law, a juvenile means a person below 18 years of age.
When a child is involved in a criminal offence, the child is treated as a “child in conflict with law.”
Such cases are handled separately from adult criminal cases.
India follows a reform-based approach that focuses more on:
The system aims to reform children rather than punish them harshly.
Juvenile Justice Law in India
Juvenile Justice Act, 2015
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 governs juvenile justice in India.
The Act deals with:
The law provides:
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Separate inquiry procedures
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Rehabilitation-based care
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Child-friendly legal mechanisms
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Protection of juvenile rights
The Act focuses on the best interests of children.
Age Profile of Juveniles
Most Cases Involved Older Teenagers
According to NCRB data, 77.7% of apprehended juveniles belonged to the 16–18 years age group.
This category is important because the Juvenile Justice Act allows special preliminary assessment in heinous crimes committed by children in this age bracket.
In certain serious offences, the Juvenile Justice Board may decide whether the child should face trial as an adult.
This provision was introduced after major national debates on serious crimes involving older juveniles.
Crime Situation in Metropolitan Cities
Delhi Reported Highest Cases
Among metropolitan cities, Delhi recorded 2,306 juvenile crime cases in 2024.
The