NCJ Number
146711
Journal
Indian Journal of Criminology Volume: 21 Issue: 2 Dated: (July 1993) Pages: 82-89
Date Published
1993
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Juvenile delinquency in India is discussed.
Abstract
This article provides a cursory review of the development of laws addressing juvenile delinquency in India as well as a brief discussion of the causes of juvenile delinquency as revealed in various studies. Causes identified in the studies include the influences of family, violence on television and in juvenile gangs, and the effects of inadequate schooling. Included is a discussion of the study of juvenile delinquency by the Crime Branch of Orissa police in Orissa-Rourkela and Cuttack conducted in the 1970s. Statewide distribution of juvenile delinquency is provided in a two-page table contained in the 1990 Crimes in India publication of the National Crime Records Bureau. Since only a portion of delinquent behavior is followed by arrest and conviction and an inadequate classification system fails to capture instances of delinquent behavior adequately, official records are incomplete. The International Criminal Police Organization surveyed measures taken by the police in various countries to tackle the juvenile delinquency problem. The results of that survey reveal that many countries have established special juvenile welfare centers, sports clubs, and civic education programs, and also have made concerted efforts at improving police- community relations. The survey found that these efforts have helped to correct the distorted image of the police often held by juveniles. The author urges coordinated efforts of law enforcement, child welfare agencies, and the juvenile courts to successfully deal with the problem of juvenile delinquency.