On May 14, 2025, the Delhi High Court issued notices to the Union Government, Delhi Government, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR), and the High-Level Committee under Section 16(2) of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. This action was in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by iProbono India Legal Services, highlighting significant case backlogs before the Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) in Delhi and alleging non-implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.

The PIL contends that the failure to adhere to the timelines prescribed under the JJ Act results in a miscarriage of justice and violates the rights of children entitled to a fair and speedy trial under Article 21 of the Constitution. The court has granted four weeks for the authorities to respond and two weeks for the petitioner to file a rejoinder. The matter is scheduled for the next hearing on September 24, 2025.

Additionally, the court directed the petitioner to submit a detailed representation to the Juvenile Justice Committee of the Delhi High Court within two weeks, outlining the grievances raised in the PIL. During the hearing, the Chief Justice emphasized that, under the JJ Act, the state government bears the responsibility for administering the Act’s provisions, including the constitution and functioning of the JJBs.

This development underscores ongoing concerns about the effective implementation of juvenile justice mechanisms in Delhi.

Sources