The Orissa High Court acquitted a man tried as an adult for offences allegedly committed at 17, holding that the Children’s Court must independently decide under Section 19(1) of the JJ Act whether a child needs to be tried as an adult.
The Supreme Court clarified that the three-month timeline for assessing juveniles accused of serious crimes is not mandatory but advisory. The decision allows for extensions with a reasoned order from the Chief Judicial Magistrate, emphasizing the importance of a preliminary assessment involving experienced professionals. The ruling aims to balance accountability and fair treatment for juvenile offenders.
