Archive · 20 Nov 2025
50,000 Children in India's Juvenile Justice System Await Justice
In India, more than 50,000 children involved in legal cases are waiting for justice.
Many juvenile courts are overloaded with cases, and some don't have enough judges.
Some places don't have safe homes for these children, and not all of them have access to legal help.
The government also doesn't keep good records about these cases, making it hard to know how well the system is working.
Over 50,000 children in conflict with the law have pending cases
55% of cases are pending at 362 Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs)
One in four JJBs operates without a full bench, with an average backlog of 154 cases
30% of JJBs lack attached legal services clinics, and 14 states lack places of safety for older juveniles
Oversight of Child Care Institutions (CCIs) is falling short, with only 41% of mandated inspections carried out
- Who
- Children in conflict with the law, Juvenile Justice Boards, Child Care Institutions
- What
- Juvenile Justice System backlog and inefficiencies
- When
- As of October 31, 2023
- Where
- India, specifically in 362 Juvenile Justice Boards across the country
- Why
- Due to systemic limitations blocking timely support and rehabilitation
Advocates for Children's Rights
Government Authorities
Access to Legal Services
Advocates for Children's Rights
Children should have access to legal services in all JJBs.
Government Authorities
Government is working to establish legal services clinics in all JJBs.
Places of Safety for Older Juveniles
Advocates for Children's Rights
All states should have places of safety for children above 18.
Government Authorities
Government is addressing the issue and working to establish such facilities.
- Total pending cases
- 55,452
- Total JJBs
- 362
- Average case backlog per JJB
- 154
- JJBs without full bench
- 25%
- JJBs without legal services clinic
- 30%
