A Study Of Legal Rights And Protections For Minor Victims In The Criminal Justice System: With Special Emphasis On Cases Involving Domestic Violence

Abstract

Focusing on both legislative frameworks and the practical implementation issues, this study investigates the legal entitlements and protections for minor victims of domestic violence in India. It investigates important constitutional and statutory provisions, including the Domestic Violence Act, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO). The work also investigates the historical evolution of legal protections for children, stressing the changing function of India’s courts and legal reforms. Particular focus is on the legal scene in Punjab, where regional issues, including cultural norms and lack of knowledge, are addressed and the efficacy of current enforcement tools is evaluated. The study also addresses implementation gaps such as delayed justice, insufficient psychological support, and the absence of a child-friendly procedure infrastructure. Comparative viewpoints from international frameworks, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), are combined to indicate best practices for enhancing legal reactions. In the end, the article offers legal reform ideas, institutional capacity-building, and policy changes to guarantee complete protection for minor domestic violence victims.