Continued incarceration under the JJ Act is violative of Article 21

In the matter of the Writ Petition concerning the petitionerโ€™s detention at Central Jail, Agra, the Supreme Court on 9 October 2025, by a Bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih, allowed the petition and directed the immediate release of the petitioner, holding that he was a juvenile at the time of the offence and that continued incarceration beyond the permissible period under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, violated his fundamental right to liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The Bench noted that the petitioner, born on 10 June 1969, was aged about 12 years at the time of the incident on 2 November 1981, when he was implicated under Sections 302/149, 147, and 148 of the IPC. While the Sessions Court had convicted the petitioner and others for murder, it had recognized his juvenile status under the Childrenโ€™s Act, 1960, initially directing his placement in a childrenโ€™s home rather than prison. The Supreme Court further observed that despite the petitionerโ€™s abscondence and subsequent arrest in May 2022, no legal provision barred consideration of his juvenile status even at a later stage under Section 7-A of the JJ Act, 2000.

Relying on precedents including Pratap Singh v. State of Jharkhand, Vinod Katara v. State of Uttar Pradesh, and Dharambir v. State (NCT of Delhi), the Court reaffirmed that all persons below eighteen years at the time of the offence must be treated as juveniles, and detention exceeding the statutory limit amounts to illegal deprivation of liberty. The Bench concluded that no enquiry was required to ascertain the petitionerโ€™s age, as it was undisputed, and the petitionerโ€™s prolonged incarceration constituted a clear breach of Article 21.

Accordingly, the writ petition was allowed, and the Senior Superintendent, Central Jail, Varanasi, was directed to release the petitioner immediately if not wanted in any other case, without insisting on a certified copy of the judgment.

Takeaway: The Supreme Court reinforced that juvenile convicts are entitled to statutory protections irrespective of the passage of time, and detention beyond legal limits constitutes a violation of fundamental rights, mandating immediate relief even decades after the offence.

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Join Chambers of Abhinav Mishra โ€“ Paralegal Vacancy in New Delhi

Chambers of Abhinav Mishra is inviting applications from dedicated, goal-oriented, and passionate law students and graduates to join its team in New Delhi. Known for its commitment to high legal standards and a proactive work culture, the chamber is offering an opportunity to work in a fast-paced legal environment with exposure to high-profile matters both domestically and internationally.

This opening is ideal for fresh graduates and final-year law students who are eager to learn, grow, and make a real difference in the legal field. With a structured selection process and a competitive stipend, Chambers of Abhinav Mishra offers a gateway into a rewarding legal career.

About Chambers of Abhinav Mishra

Chambers of Abhinav Mishra is a distinguished law office based in New Delhi, catering to a wide range of legal matters before courts and tribunals across India. Known for handling high-stakes litigation and advisory services for domestic and international clients, the chamber stands out for its dedication to legal precision, punctuality, and ethical advocacy.

Working with this chamber means engaging in complex legal issues, preparing for court appearances, conducting research, drafting legal documents, and developing litigation strategies. Team members are given opportunities to contribute meaningfully while being mentored by experienced legal professionals.

Open Position: Paralegal

  • Location: New Delhi
  • Mode: Offline / Physical
  • Number of Vacancies: 2
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • Fresh Law Graduates who have not yet cleared AIBE
    • Final Year Law Students (Performance-based PPO may be offered)
  • Stipend: โ‚น25,000 to โ‚น35,000 per month (depending on qualifications and experience)

How to Apply

Applicants must submit their CV and cover letter via email with the appropriate subject line:

Alternatively, interested candidates can fill out the application form available at:
https://lnkd.in/eqekygg7

The last date to apply is 15th July 2025. Early applications are encouraged, as slots are limited.

Why Join Chambers of Abhinav Mishra?

Working at Chambers of Abhinav Mishra offers numerous benefits for aspiring lawyers. Whether you’re preparing for the Bar, gaining litigation experience, or seeking mentorship, this opportunity offers a unique platform to launch your career.

Here are a few reasons why this chamber could be the right fit for you:

  • Exposure to Prestigious Cases
    Handle high-profile matters involving diverse legal issues from jurisdictions across India and abroad.
  • Strong Ethical Culture
    The chamber fosters a culture of professionalism, integrity, and mutual respect, making it an ideal learning environment.
  • Opportunities for Court Appearances
    Paralegals and junior associates often get opportunities to appear before Honโ€™ble Courts and Tribunals across India, sharpening their litigation skills firsthand.
  • Professional Development
    The role provides immense scope for research, drafting, and practical legal training, essential for a strong foundation in law.
  • Performance-Based Growth
    Final-year students may receive Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs) based on their performance during the internship period.

What We Look For

Chambers of Abhinav Mishra values individuals who are:

  • Punctual and respectful of deadlines
  • Dedicated to continuous learning and development
  • Proactive in managing responsibilities and anticipating challenges
  • Organized, with excellent legal writing and research skills
  • Communicative, with the ability to work well in a team

This position is not just a job โ€” it’s a professional journey. Candidates are expected to approach their work with sincerity, attention to detail, and a willingness to go above and beyond in their responsibilities.

Application Tips

To improve your chances of selection:

  • Customize your cover letter to reflect why you’re interested in working specifically with Chambers of Abhinav Mishra
  • Highlight relevant coursework, internships, moot courts, or publications
  • Emphasize your ability to manage time, stay organized, and work independently under pressure
  • Submit a well-formatted CV, no longer than 2 pages

Summary

  • Firm: Chambers of Abhinav Mishra
  • Role: Paralegal
  • Location: New Delhi
  • Eligibility: Fresh Law Graduates or Final Year Students
  • Stipend: โ‚น25,000โ€“โ‚น35,000
  • Mode: Physical / Offline
  • Apply by: 15 July 2025
  • How to Apply: Email to careers@chambersofabhinavmishra.in OR fill out this form

Final Thoughts

The Paralegal position at Chambers of Abhinav Mishra offers a unique opportunity for ambitious young lawyers to take the first serious step in their professional journey. Whether youโ€™re a final-year student or a recent graduate awaiting AIBE results, this role provides valuable hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure that few opportunities can match.

So, if you’re ready to learn, grow, and work alongside legal experts in one of Delhiโ€™s most respected chambers โ€” apply today and take your legal career to the next level.


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