
The rapid growth of digital technology has transformed the nature of juvenile delinquency, with children increasingly engaging in cyber-related offences such as hacking, identity theft, cyberbullying, and online fraud. This article examines the lacunae within the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 in addressing cybercrime committed by children in conflict with law. The primary objective of the study is to analyse the inadequacy of the existing punishment-based classification of offences under the Act and its inability to effectively respond to the complexities of cyber delinquency. The research adopts a doctrinal and analytical methodology through the examination of statutory provisions, case-related literature, journal articles, and comparative international practices. The study finds that the absence of cyber-specific provisions, inadequate rehabilitation mechanisms, and lack of institutional preparedness create significant gaps in the juvenile justice framework. It further argues for impact-based classification of cyber offences, inclusion of specialised procedural safeguards, and development of technology-oriented rehabilitation measures to ensure a balanced and child-centric approach in the digital era.
