Bail is Not Absolute Right for Juveniles in Heinous Cases: J&K&L High Court

The Jammu & Kashmir & Ladakh High Court recently clarified that a juvenile in conflict with law cannot claim bail as a matter of right under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.

The Court held that while the Act generally mandates bail, the proviso to Section 12 allows for denial if the release would defeat the ends of justice or expose the minor to danger.

The Court dismissed a bail plea from a 19-year-old (16 at the time of the offence) accused of sharing photographs of security installations with Pakistani handlers.

Observing that such heinous offences against national integrity outweighs personal liberty.

[Anjum Mehmood v. U.T of J&K]