JUVENILE JUSTICE THROUGH GENDER LENS: LEGAL TREATMENT OF GIRL CHILD OFFENDERS IN INDIA

This research paper examines the legal treatment of girl child offenders in India through a gender-sensitive lens. Despite the seemingly gender-neutral framework of juvenile justice legislation, girl offenders experience the system in fundamentally different ways than their male counterparts. The paper analyzes the constitutional and legal framework governing juvenile justice in India, highlighting the gap between formal equality and substantive justice. Through critical examination of statistical patterns, the research reveals distinct pathways through which girls enter the juvenile justice system, often involving prior victimization, status offenses, and survival crimes. The paper scrutinizes gender dynamics in police interactions, judicial attitudes, and institutional rehabilitation programs, uncovering subtle yet pervasive biases affecting outcomes for girl offenders. Drawing from international standards and comparative jurisdictions, the research identifies promising gender-responsive approaches. The analysis reveals significant challenges including inadequate infrastructure, gender-stereotyped rehabilitation programs, and insufficient specialized training for stakeholders. The paper concludes by proposing multidimensional reforms encompassing legislative amendments, enhanced institutional frameworks, and capacity building initiatives to advance a gender-responsive juvenile justice system in India that fulfills constitutional guarantees and international commitments while addressing the unique vulnerabilities of girl child offenders.