CUSTODIAL RIGHTS AND PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS: ANALYZING THE LEGAL PROTECTION OF JUVENILES DURING POLICE INVESTIGATION

The protection of juveniles during police investigation represents a critical intersection of
constitutional rights, criminal justice administration, and child welfare principles. This research
paper examines the adequacy of legal protections afforded to juveniles during arrest,
interrogation, and custody in India, analyzing the gaps between statutory provisions and ground
realities. The study investigates constitutional safeguards against self-incrimination and torture
as applied to juvenile suspects, evaluates the implementation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and
Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and assesses procedural compliance in police stations.
Through doctrinal analysis and examination of case law, this paper identifies systemic
deficiencies in custodial treatment of juveniles, including inadequate legal representation,
improper interrogation techniques, lack of specialized infrastructure, and insufficient training of
law enforcement personnel. The research reveals that despite robust legislative frameworks,
practical enforcement remains inconsistent, leading to violations of fundamental rights. The
paper recommends comprehensive reforms including mandatory presence of child welfare
experts during interrogation, establishment of separate juvenile custodial facilities, enhanced
training programs for police personnel, strengthening of legal aid mechanisms, and
implementation of strict accountability measures for procedural violations. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on juvenile justice reform and emphasize the urgent need for
bridging the gap between legal provisions and their effective implementation to ensure genuine
protection of juveniles in conflict with law.
Keywords: Juvenile Justice, Custodial Rights, Police Investigation, Constitutional Safeguards,
Self-Incrimination, Interrogation Procedures