In the simple societies of the past, there were various elements of social control which prevented the development of delinquent behaviour. Now the traditional structure is breaking down. In many instances the Government itself wishes to break down the old order where the measures of social control are repressive and lack respect for human rights, equality between man and man and where they represent a way of life in which the weaker sections of the society get less than fair treatment. In this process, the important problem before us is what kind of acceptable controls can take the place of the traditional norms of behaviour in the society, and how we can remodel the pattern of social control rather than abolish it completely. We have to seek such methods and encourage such social influences as do not retard the process of social evolution but yet are effective in checking the development of delinquency.

To the criminologist, the problems of anti-social behaviour in the Indian setting provide a variegated field of study. The problem of social defence that we have to face here is qualita­tively and quantitatively different from that in the more advanced countries of the West. Our problems are typical of a developing country with a changing society. The technological and industrial progress and the resultant urbanisation have created new stresses and strains in the society. The change from .a placid, secure life to a hectic insecure one has evoked different reactions from different people. The growing aspirations resulting from political awakening have added a new dimension to the tensions in the society. We thus have to simultaneously devote attention to a number of areas of action. I would, however, like to mention a few of them in which immediate and concerted efforts seem to be called for. A noticeable change relates to the diminution of respect for authority. This is a new factor which affects all those on whom the responsibility for upholding authority rests — the police, teachers, parents and for that matter all responsible sections of society. It has had also a significant effect upon industrial discipline. In the past, discipline was nurtured by religion and tradition. The new thinking and the spread of education have diminished the power of both, but they have not yet provided any effective substitute. The growth of violence and the pervasive unrest among the youth are attributable partially to this erosion of respect for authority and old values.