Patna High Court Grants Bail to 17-Year-Old, Says Juvenile Justice Act Applies Even in Heinous Cases

The Patna High Court granted bail to a 17-year-old accused of sexually assaulting a minor, ruling that Section 12 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, applies equally to all juveniles, including those above 16 accused of heinous offences.

It held that bail is the rule unless release risks criminal association, danger, or defeats justice.

The court found the Children’s Court had ignored the Social Investigation Report, which described the boy as an obedient student with no criminal links, suggesting false implication over land disputes.

Prolonged detention was harming his studies and rehabilitation. Bail was allowed on a ₹10,000 bond with conditions.

[X v. The State of Bihar & Ors]