A RESEARCH PROPOSAL FOR

INTER-DISCIPLINARY PROJECT

ON
ANALYSING THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS ON
JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND JUSTICE OUTCOMES WITH
RESPECT TO STREET CHILDREN

SUBMITTED TO KISHINCHAND CHELLARAM LAW COLLEGE,

MUMBAI FOR THE LL.M. DEGREE COURSE IN CRIMINAL LAW

SUBMITTED BY
RAVINA VILAS JAGTAP
2ND YEAR STUDENT LL.M. (SEM - IV)
ROLL NO.: 36

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF

DR. SANDHYA BALAKRISHNAN
K. C. LAW COLLEGE

ACADEMIC YEAR
2023-2024
SUBMITTED IN SEPTEMBER 2024
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

SR.NO. PARTICULARS PAGE NO.

1 Introduction 3-4

2 Aims And Objectives 4

3 Scope And Limitation 4-5

4 Statement Of Problem 5

5 Hypothesis 5

6 Research Methodology 5

7 Chapterisation 5-7

8 References: Bibliography and Webliography 7-8

1. Introduction:
Juvenile delinquency refers to the involvement of individuals, typically under the age of 18, in
illegal or antisocial activities. It encompasses a wide range of behaviors, from minor offenses
like truancy or vandalism to more serious crimes such as theft, assault, or drug-related
activities. Juvenile delinquency is influenced by various factors, including socio-economic
conditions, family environment, peer pressure, and educational opportunities. The legal system
often treats juvenile offenders differently from adults, focusing on rehabilitation and
reintegration rather than punishment, given their age and potential for reform.1

It is emerging social issue, with socio-economic factors playing a significant role in why young
individuals engage in criminal activities. Among the most vulnerable are street children, who
live in extreme poverty and face challenges such as family instability, lack of education, and
homelessness. Deprived of basic needs and support, these children are at a heightened risk of
becoming involved in delinquent behavior, often as a means of survival or due to social
pressures.

This study focuses on how socio-economic factors shape juvenile delinquency among street
children and examines the impact these factors have on justice outcomes. Street children, who
typically live in urban settings without adequate adult supervision or support, often face
systemic barriers when interacting with the justice system. Limited access to legal
representation, societal biases, and a lack of understanding of their socio-economic
backgrounds further hinder fair treatment.2

By analyzing these socio-economic conditions, the research aims to provide a deeper

understanding of the disparities in justice outcomes for street children. It will explore how these
factors influence the likelihood of coming into conflict with the law and the justice system's
response. The study also highlights the need for more informed, compassionate, and context-
sensitive approaches within the juvenile justice system to ensure that policies and interventions
address the root causes of delinquency.

______________________________________
1
Definition by United Nations: office on Drugs and Crime
2
UNICEF, for every Child
This research will advocate for reforms in the juvenile justice system, focusing on equitable
and rehabilitative outcomes that better support the unique needs of street children. Through this
analysis, the study aims to contribute to the development of strategies that not only prevent
delinquency but also provide fair and just legal responses to street children.

2. Aims And Objectives:

Aims:

• To explore how socio-economic factors contribute to juvenile delinquency among

street children and their influence on justice outcomes.

Objectives:

• Identify key socio-economic factors (e.g., poverty, family instability, lack of education)
that lead street children into delinquent behavior.
• Analyze how these factors affect the interactions of street children with the juvenile
justice system.
• Examine the disparities in justice outcomes for street children compared to other
juveniles.
• Recommend reforms for more equitable, rehabilitative responses within the juvenile
justice system to address the unique challenges faced by street children.

3. Scope And Limitation:

Scope:

Scope of the Research is to find out influence of socio-economic factors, such as poverty,
family instability, and lack of education, on juvenile delinquency specifically among street
children. It examines how these factors affect their interactions with the juvenile justice system
and the resulting justice outcomes. The research aims to provide insights into the unique
challenges faced by street children and propose reforms for more equitable treatment within
the legal framework.

Limitations:

The geographical limitation of the research is that data will be pertaining to Dharavi only
Additionally, it focuses on available data and case studies from specific regions, which may
limit the generalizability of findings across all street children. The study also acknowledges
potential gaps in the availability of reliable data on the justice outcomes for street children.
which may affect the accuracy of the analysis.

4. Statement of Problem:

This analysis seeks to address the problem of Street children, due to their socio-economic
disadvantages such as poverty, lack of education, and family instability, are at a higher risk of
engaging in juvenile delinquency. Despite these factors, the juvenile justice system often fails
to consider their unique circumstances, leading to inequitable justice outcomes. The problem
lies in the inadequate understanding of how socio-economic factors influence both the
likelihood of delinquency and the treatment of street children within the legal framework,
resulting in a justice system that may not effectively address the root causes of their behavior
or offer rehabilitative solutions.

5. Hypotheses:

• Socio-economic factors such as poverty, lack of education, and family instability

significantly increase the likelihood of juvenile delinquency among street children.

6. Research Methodology:

The Research Methodology researcher would utilize is non-doctrinal research method i.e.
(quantitative and qualitative).

Quantitative: Statistical data on delinquency, socio-economic factors, and justice outcomes.

Qualitative: Interviews, questionnaire’s and focus groups with street children, social workers,
and legal professionals.

Data Analysis of Statistical correlation between socio-economic factors and delinquency.

7. Chapterisation:

Chapter 1: Introduction

This Chapter explores the relationship between socio-economic factors and juvenile
delinquency, particularly among street children, and examines how these factors influence
justice outcomes. Street children, often vulnerable due to poverty, lack of education, and family
instability, are at a higher risk of engaging in delinquent behaviors. This study investigates how
economic deprivation, lack of social support, and environmental challenges contribute to
juvenile delinquency and assesses the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system in addressing
the needs of street children. Recommendations for improving the justice process and
rehabilitative services are also proposed.

This chapter also deals with aims and objectives, review of literature, scope and limitation,
statement of problem, hypothesis, research methodology of research.

Chapter 2: Examining the Current Legal Framework on Juvenile Delinquency

This chapter provides a concise overview of the legal framework governing juvenile
delinquency includes historical evolution, national legislation and institutions, challenges and
criticisms.

It also deals with the recent reforms and amendments.

Chapter 3: Socio-Economic Factors Contributing to Juvenile Delinquency

This chapter explores several key factors that contribute to criminal behavior and delinquency:

➢ Poverty: Economic hardship often leads individuals to engage in criminal activities as

a means of survival.
➢ Education and Employment: Limited access to education and employment
opportunities can drive individuals towards delinquent behavior due to lack of
alternative options.
➢ Family Environment: Broken homes and neglectful family environments are significant
contributors to delinquent behavior, as they may fail to provide adequate support and
guidance.
➢ Peer Influence: The influence of peers, including involvement in gangs, peer pressure,
and drug use, can exacerbate delinquent behavior and lead individuals down a path of
criminal activity.

Chapter 4: Judicial Interpretation on Rights of Street Children

This chapter includes Detailed examination of a street child’s experience with socio-economic
challenges and the juvenile justice system also Analysis of the barriers street children face in
navigating the justice system, including lack of legal representation and societal stigma.
Chapter 5: Data Analysis of Juvenile Justice Outcomes for Street Children

This chapter focuses on Examination of how the justice system handles cases involving street
children, Analysis of socio-economic biases and how they influence sentencing, rehabilitation,
and reintegration. Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Programs: Assessment of current
rehabilitative services and their ability to address the socio-economic needs of street children.

Chapter 6: Conclusions and Suggestions

This chapter will summarize the analysis of socio-economic factors influencing juvenile
delinquency among street children highlights the significant impact of poverty, lack of
education, broken family structures, and peer influence on their involvement in criminal
activities. Street children, due to their marginalized status, are often driven into delinquency as
a means of survival or through external pressures, such as gangs and substance abuse. The
juvenile justice system, while intended to rehabilitate, often falls short in addressing the unique
needs of street children, leading to disparities in justice outcomes and perpetuating the cycle of
delinquency.

This also gives some suggestions that can help mitigate the socio-economic factors driving
delinquency and improve justice outcomes for street children, allowing them to reintegrate into
society successfully.

9. References:

Bibliography

The Juvenile Justice System in India 2nd Edition book by Ved Kumar, Oxford University Press,
2010
Juvenile Delinquency book by Dr. Sheetal Kanwal, Amar Law Publication's, 2015
An Insight into Indian Juvenile Justice System a book by Vaishali Rathore, Notion Press, 2019
Juvenile, Not Delinquent: Children in Conflict with The Law a book by Enakshi Ganguly,
Kalpana Purushothaman, Puneeta Roy, Speaking Tiger, 2023
Webliography:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380999348_Impact_of_SocioEconomic_Factors_on
_Juvenile_Delinquency_An_Explorative_Study_in_Rajasthan

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11081445/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/373922257_Analysis_Of_Economic_Factors_in_Ju
venile_Delinquency

https://legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-7605-juvenile-delinquency-causes-effects-
prevention-and-rehabilitation.html#google_vignette

https://ijsshr.in/v6i6/Doc/81

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juvenile_delinquency

https://blog.ipleaders.in/juvenile-delinquency-related-legislations-india/