Gujarat High Court Emphasises Child Centric Approach, Grants Bail to Minor Accused in Murder Case

The Gujarat High Court granted bail to a child in conflict with law (CCL) accused in a murder case, holding that both the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) and the Children’s Court failed to provide adequate reasons for rejecting bail.

The Court observed that the bail plea was incorrectly considered under the CrPC instead of Section 12 of the Juvenile Justice Act, which governs bail for juveniles.

It stressed that denial of bail must be supported by clear reasoning on how release would defeat justice.

Emphasising a child-centric approach, the Court directed that sensitivity be maintained, especially for children below 16 years.