A Study on Child Rights and Child Protection: a Review

The rights of children in India have evolved through a framework of constitutional provision, legislative enactments and international conventions. The Constitution of India guarantees several fundaments rights to children, such as the right to education, protection from hazardous employment and protection from exploitation and abuse. The various laws including the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 collectively form the legal backbone for safeguarding children’s rights in the country. Implementation of child rights in India facing significant challenges. Most of issues such as child labour, child trafficking, child marriage, malnutrition and access to quality education remain prevalent in various regions. The disparity between legal rights and ground realities reflects the need for more effective policy execution, awareness and community engagement. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the legal protections for children in India, evaluate the gaps in their implementation and suggest some measures to strengthen child rights in the context of social- legal aspect.