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2023 Supreme(Raj) 1949

IN THE HIGH COURT OF RAJASTHAN
Farjand Ali, J.
X - Petitioner
Versus
State Of Rajasthan and Ors. – Respondents
S.B. Criminal Revision Petition No. 711 of 2023
Decided On : 07-08-2023

Advocates:
Advocate Appeared:
For the Petitioner: Mr. Shreekant Verma.
For the Respondent: Mr. Mukhtiyar Khan, P.P.

Headnote:(A) Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 - Section 12(1) - Bail application of a juvenile - The bail application of a juvenile was dismissed by the Juvenile Justice Board and upheld by the Special Judge POCSO Act - Under Section 12(1) of the Act, a delinquent juvenile is ordinarily entitled to bail unless evidence shows potential for danger or influence from known criminals - The court found no evidence indicating the juvenile would be exposed to risk or that releasing him would defeat the ends of justice. (Paras 4, 5, 7)

Facts of the case:
The juvenile is facing charges under Sections 457, 354-A, 354-D of IPC and Section 7/8 of POCSO Act, and has been confined since the FIR was registered. His bail was sought but rejected, prompting a revision petition.

Findings of Court:
The court determined the juvenile-petitioner deserved to be released on bail, noting the absence of risks that would justify denial of bail under the Act.

Issues: Whether the juvenile's release on bail would result in association with criminals or expose him to danger, and if the denial of bail upholds the Juvenile Justice Act's provisions.

Ratio Decidendi: The court emphasized the entitlement of juveniles to bail under the Act unless compelling reasons are demonstrated, ruling that the nature of the offense does not negate this presumption.

Result: Revision allowed; the previous orders are set aside and bail granted with specified conditions.

Table of Content
1. details of juvenile's case and history (Para 1)
2. arguments for and against bail application (Para 2 , 3)
3. legal rationale for bail entitlement (Para 4)
4. court's opinion on bail decision (Para 5 , 6)
5. final decision and orders (Para 7)

ORDER :

Farjand Ali, J.

The juvenile 'X' son of Shri Lalu Ram has been confined in connection with FIR No.85/2023 registered at Police Station Chattargarh, District Bikaner and is facing charges under Sections 457 , 354-A, 354-D of IPC and 7/8 of POCSO Act. He is lodged at the Child Observation Home, Bikaner. The bail application preferred under Section 12 of the JUVENILE JUSTICE ACT , 2015 by the juvenile through amicus curiae was dismissed by the learned Principle Juvenile Justice Board, Bikaner vide order dated 16.06.2023. An appeal was preferred under Section 101 of the JUVENILE JUSTICE ACT , 2015 against the said order before the learned Special Judge POCSO Act 2005 & Child Rights Protetion Commission Act, 2005 Bikaner which also came to be dismissed vide order dated 19.06.2023 and the order passed by the learned Board was up-held. Aggrieved by the aforesaid two orders, the present revision petition has been filed under Section 102 of the JUVENILE JUSTICE ACT read with Section 397 /401 of the Cr.P.C.

2. Learned counsel for the juvenile-petitioner submits that the Juvenile Justice Board as well as the learned court below has grossly erred in rejecting the bail application of the juvenile-petitioner. They have failed to consider the correct factual and legal aspects of the case. The juvenile has been detained at the Child Observation Home, Bikaner since long time and looking at the pace at which the trial is proceeding, it will likely take long time to conclude. The Juvenile Justice Board has treated the accused as juvenile. He further submits that there is no possibility of the juvenile-petitioner absconding. There is nothing on record that may debar him from getting released on bail, therefore, it is humbly prayed that the impugned orders be set aside and the juvenile be released on bail.

3. Learned Public Prosecutor vehemently opposes the prayer made by learned counsel for the juvenile-petitioner and submits that since the matter pertains to commission of a grave offence, the petitioner is not deserving of being released on bail.

4. From the perusal of Section 12 (1) of the Act of 2015, it is established legal position that a delinquent juvenile ordinarily has to be released on bail irrespective of nature of offence alleged to have been committed by him unless it is shown by evidence that if he is released on bail, there appears reasonable grounds for believing that the release of the delinquent juvenile is likely to bring him into association with any known criminals or expose him to moral, physical or psychological danger or that his release would defeat the ends of justice. The nature of offence and the merits of the case do not have any relevance. It is for the prosecution to bring on record such material while opposing the bail and make out any of the grounds provided in the section, which may persuade the court not to release the juvenile on bail. But in this case, there is nothing on record to show that the release of the juvenile-petitioner is likely to bring him into association with any known criminal or expose him to moral, physical or psychological danger or that his release would defeat the ends of justice.

5. Upon consideration of the overall facts and circumstances, and considering the fact of juvenescence of the petitioner, this Court is of the opinion that the petitioner deserves to be released on bail. His entitlement to bail is further supported as the conditions of Section 12 of the JUVENILE JUSTICE ACT are duly satisfied.

6. The observations made herein above shall not influence the trial judge in any manner whatsoever so as to adversely affect the rights of either of the parties.

7. Consequently, the instant revision is allowed. The impugned order date

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