Delhi HC Grants Bail to Juvenile in Murder Case, Prioritizes Reform Over Punishment

The Delhi HC ruled that a complainant has no absolute right to be heard in at every stage of bail proceedings under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, emphasizing rehabilitation over retribution. 

A complainant challenged a trial court’s decision that upheld a Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) order granting bail to a juvenile in a murder case.

The court found no procedural illegality and ruled that bail is the rule under Section 12 unless exceptions apply.

It also clarified that granting bail does not violate the complainant’s rights under Article 21 of the constitution.