Justice Nagarathna flags gaps in implementation of Juvenile Justice Act at National Annual Stakeholders Consultation

Justice B.V. Nagarathna speaks at the National Annual Stakeholders Consultation at the Supreme Court on October 10, 2026 on 10 years of the Juvenile Justice Act. Photo: YouTube/@SupremeCourtofIndia-1950

Supreme Court judge Justice B.V. Nagarathna on Saturday (October 10, 2026) called for better implementation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and said the focus must remain on the care, rehabilitation and reintegration of children.

Speaking at the National Annual Stakeholders Consultation on ten years of the Act at the Supreme Court titled “Ten Years of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015: Progress, Challenges and Priorities for the Next Decade”, she raised concerns about the functioning of Juvenile Justice Boards and Child Welfare Committees, access to legal aid and delays in deciding cases.

“The challenge lies in its implementation,” she said.

Justice Nagarathna cited a November 2025 study by the India Justice Report, which found that 55% of cases before Juvenile Justice Boards across 18 States and two Union Territories were pending. More than 55,000 children were awaiting decisions.