Children represent both the present vitality and the future promise of any nation. In India, the protection of children’s rights has been a significant area of jurisprudential development, with the judiciary — particularly the Supreme Court and various High Courts — playing a pivotal role in shaping, interpreting, and enforcing legal provisions for the welfare of children. This analytical study examines the multifaceted role of the Indian judiciary in safeguarding children’s rights across domains including education, health, and protection from labour exploitation, sexual abuse, trafficking, and juvenile justice.

Through an extensive review of landmark judgments, constitutional provisions, and legislative frameworks such as the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (2009), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (2012), and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act (2015), this paper analyses the effectiveness of judicial interventions. The study adopts a doctrinal and analytical methodology, drawing from primary legal sources and secondary academic literature. Findings reveal that while the judiciary has made substantial contributions through Public Interest Litigations (PILs) and expanded interpretations of fundamental rights, significant implementation gaps persist. The paper concludes with recommendations for strengthening the institutional framework to ensure comprehensive protection of children’s rights in India.

Keywords: Children’s Rights, Indian Judiciary, Supreme Court, Child Labour, POCSO, Juvenile Justice, Constitutional Provisions, PIL, Child Protection