Adjudicating the matter, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M S Raman passed the order observing that “a juvenile cannot be treated in the same manner as an ordinary criminal accused.”
File Photo: IANS
Expressing deep concern over the alleged unlawful detention and prolonged questioning of a minor at a police station in the Bhadrak district, the Orissa High Court directed the district Superintendent of Police (SP) to appear personally before it, stating, “Authorities cannot undermine the legislative mandate of the juvenile justice law prevalent in the country.”
Adjudicating the matter, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M S Raman passed the order observing that “a juvenile cannot be treated in the same manner as an ordinary criminal accused.”
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“Even if a juvenile, who is a child in conflict with law, does not deserve to be treated like the others nor the authorities can undermine the legislative mandate of the juvenile justice law prevalent in the country”, the Bench observed in the order
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The petitioner’s counsel Mr. Asutosh Rout informed the Court that the minor had been summoned to a police station in connection with an investigation of a criminal case and allegedly confined there for several hours for interrogation by the investigating officer.
The Division Bench also took note of allegations that the concerned police station lacked mandatory child-friendly infrastructure and facilities meant for handling juveniles.
Taking a stern view of the illegal detention of the juvenile in conflict with, the High Court directed the Bhadrak SP to remain personally present before the court on May 18 and clarify whether the police station concerned was equipped with adequate child-friendly facilities.
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