The Patna High Court granted bail to a 14-year-old boy accused in a POCSO case, holding institutional care should be a last resort. Justice Arun Kumar Jha said bail cannot be denied to a child in conflict with law without statutory grounds under the Juvenile Justice Act.
The Calcutta High Court reiterated that under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 “a juvenile cannot be sentenced to more than seven years.” Since the Bangladeshi national was arrested as a minor and held for over 21 years, the Court ordered his immediate release and repatriation.
