International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Upsurge of Juvenile Cases in NCT of Delhi: Issues and Challenges

The National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi has recently experienced a significant increase in juvenile criminality, raising severe concerns among law enforcement, social welfare agencies, and policymakers. Juvenile delinquency, defined as criminal activities conducted by people under the age of 18, has become a major problem, with adolescents becoming participating in offenses ranging from minor infractions to more serious felonies. Poverty, familial instability, exposure to violence, and a lack of sufficient education or career possibilities are among the causes contributing to the increase. This article investigates the main difficulties and challenges linked with the growing incidence of juvenile offenders in Delhi. The deficiencies of the current juvenile justice system, such as overcrowding in juvenile homes, insufficient rehabilitative resources, and delays in legal processes, all contribute to the problem of recidivism. Furthermore, there is a huge deficit in mental health care, and the absence of family and community-based rehabilitation programs exacerbates the recidivism cycle. Many criminals struggle to reintegrate into society due to the emotional and psychological toll on youth, as well as societal shame. The study emphasizes the urgent need for systemic reforms, such as improved infrastructure, increased educational and vocational programs, better mental health treatment, and family and community involvement in the rehabilitation process, through a detailed analysis of these difficulties. By addressing these diverse concerns, Delhi may better support juvenile offenders' rehabilitation and minimize juvenile crime recidivism, resulting in a more effective and compassionate juvenile justice system.