BALANCING JUSTICE AND MENTAL HEALTH: Unravelling the Complexities of Juvenile Psychology in Indian Law

This paper explores the complex intersection of juvenile justice and mental health within the Indian legal framework, critically analyzing the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 and the POCSO Act, 2012. It examines how adolescent neurodevelopment affects culpability and argues against punitive legal responses, particularly the adult trial of juveniles. Drawing from Indian and international jurisprudence, empirical data, and comparative models, the paper highlights the mental health vulnerabilities of juveniles in conflict with the law. It advocates for a rehabilitative, evidence-based justice system rooted in restorative practices, standardized psychological assessments, and legislative reforms to better balance accountability with mental health and developmental considerations.