Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules, 2007 – r.12 – Juvenile, on the date of occurrence – Determination of – Applicability of r. 12 of the 2007 Rules – Held: Date of occurrence of the incident was 23/24.05.2000 on which date Rules 2007 were not enforced – Even on the date when the Sessions Judge submitted his report dated 08.05.2003 after holding inquiry, Rule 2007 was not in force – Rule 100 of 2007 Rules repealed the earlier Rule-2001 Rules – Thus, the relevant Rule occupying the field in the instant case were 2001 Rules – Rule 12 of 2007 Rules is not applicable – High Court had no occasion to consider the issue since it was not pressed by the appellant – In the interest of justice, the High Court to consider the question of juvenility of the appellant – Thus, the matter remitted back for consideration – Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules, 2001 – r. 22. Disposing of the appeals, the Court
HELD: 1.1 The submission of the appellant was that school certificate filed by him with date of birth 17.08.1982 was not even challenged, hence, on the strength of Rule 12 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules, 2007 the said certificate ought to have been accepted by the Sessions Judge. The submissions raised by the appellant based on Rule 12(3) of 2007 Rules could have been considered in detail but in the instant case, there is no applicability of Rule 12 of 2007 Rules. The date of occurrence in the instant case is 23/24.05.2000 on which date Rule 2007 were not enforced. Even on the date when District and Sessions Judge submitted his report 08.05.2003 after holding inquiry, Rule 2007 was not in force. Rule 100 of 2007 Rules repealed the earlier Rule of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules, 2001. Thus, the relevant Rule occupying the field and required to be looked into are 2001 Rules. [Paras 14-17] [379-G, H; 380-A]
1.2 The High Court had no occasion to consider the issue since the appellant has not pressed the issue before the High Court, thus, it would be appropriate that the High Court be requested to consider the question of juvenility of the appellant afresh before proceeding to decide the appeal. The interest of justice is served by setting aside the order passed by the High Court and remit the question of juvenility to the High Court for consideration. The High Court before deciding the appeal on merit may consider the question of juvenility on the basis of the relevant materials on record. The order passed by the High Court is set aside. [Para 18-19] [380-G, H; 381-A-C] Shah Nawaz v. State of Uttar Pradesh and Another (2011) 13 SCC 751 : [2011] 9 SCR 859 ; Abuzar Hossain alias Gulam Hossain v. State of West Bengal (2012) 10 SCC 489 : [2012] 9 SCR 244 – referred to.
As published in the Supreme Court Reports, Supreme Court of India. Text from the Indian Supreme Court Judgments open data set (Dattam Labs), CC BY 4.0.
This page is for informational and research purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified advocate for advice specific to your situation.