Continued incarceration under the JJ Act is violative of Article 21

In the matter of the Writ Petition concerning the petitioner’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 Children’s Act, 1960, initially directing his placement in a children’s home rather than prison. The Supreme Court further observed that despite the petitioner’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 petitioner’s age, as it was undisputed, and the petitioner’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.

Join Our WhatsApp Channel for Opportunity Updates

Get Daily Updates

Join our Telegram Channel for Opportunity Updates

Get Daily Updates

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Article

Legal Trainees – GLA & Co. (KSA, Kuwait, Egypt, UAE, Qatar) | Apply Now for Full-Time Legal Careers

Legal Trainees – GLA & Co. (KSA | Kuwait | Egypt | UAE | Qatar | Apply Soon)

GLA & Co. is seeking ambitious and talented Legal Trainees to join its full-service regional law firm. With eight offices strategically located across the Middle East and North Africa—including the UAE, KSA, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Egypt—the firm delivers top-tier legal services across multiple jurisdictions, combining deep regional expertise with a client-focused approach.

About GLA & Co.

GLA & Co. is known for handling high-profile, complex legal matters in sectors such as corporate law, banking and finance, real estate, litigation, and cross-border transactions. The firm’s team of multilingual professionals ensures that clients receive solutions tailored to local laws and international best practices. As a Legal Trainee, you will be part of a collaborative, fast-paced environment with opportunities to learn from leading legal experts.

Location

  • KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)
  • Kuwait
  • Egypt
  • UAE (United Arab Emirates)
  • Qatar

Position & Job Type

  • Position: Legal Trainee
  • Job Type: Full-time

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Legal Trainee position, candidates should have:

  • Completed a law degree from a recognised university
  • Bilingual proficiency – fluent in both English and Arabic (written and spoken)
  • Strong legal research and drafting skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
  • Capacity to work well under pressure and in a team-oriented environment

Key Responsibilities

As a Legal Trainee at GLA & Co., your role will include:

  • Assisting senior lawyers with legal research and document drafting
  • Supporting case preparation, contract review, and client advisory work
  • Participating in cross-border legal assignments and multi-jurisdictional matters
  • Contributing to collaborative team projects in a fast-paced legal practice
  • Gaining exposure to litigation, corporate transactions, and regulatory compliance work

Skills You Will Develop

By joining GLA & Co., you will:

  • Refine your research methodologies and drafting techniques
  • Gain practical exposure to international and regional legal systems
  • Learn client advisory best practices from experienced professionals
  • Develop problem-solving skills for high-pressure legal environments
  • Enhance your ability to work on cross-border legal matters

Why Join GLA & Co.?

GLA & Co. offers a unique learning environment for aspiring lawyers in the Middle East and North Africa. You will be part of a law firm that values excellence, collaboration, and innovation, and you will work directly with experienced lawyers on complex, high-value legal projects. This is a career-defining opportunity for recent law graduates aiming to establish themselves in a competitive and dynamic legal market.

Salary

  • Not specified (competitive compensation offered based on qualifications and experience)

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply through either method:

  1. Email Application
    • Send your CV to hr@glaco.com
    • Use the subject line: Trainee – [Office Location] (Example: Trainee – UAE)
  2. Online Application
    • Apply via the official application link provided in the job post or on the GLA & Co. careers page.

Tip for Applicants: Highlight your bilingual capabilities, any internship experience, and your ability to adapt to cross-border legal work. Mention specific practice areas you are interested in, such as corporate, dispute resolution, or compliance, to stand out.

Summary

The Legal Trainee – GLA & Co. role is a full-time opportunity for law graduates who are bilingual in English and Arabic and eager to gain hands-on experience in a leading regional law firm. Positions are available in KSA, Kuwait, Egypt, UAE, and Qatar. This role offers exposure to high-profile, cross-border work and a platform to develop your legal career in the Middle East.

Apply today to begin your journey with one of the region’s most respected law firms.

This is not just an entry-level role—it is a strategic stepping stone for building a long-term career in law across the Middle East and North Africa. As a Legal Trainee at GLA & Co., you will gain direct exposure to regional and international clients, work on cross-border disputes and transactions, and understand the nuances of multiple legal systems within the MENA region.

From day one, you will be working alongside experienced partners, associates, and legal consultants who will guide you through case strategy, drafting precision, legal analysis, and client management. Whether your career goal is to specialise in corporate law, dispute resolution, real estate, banking, or regulatory compliance, the skills you develop here will be globally transferable and highly sought after.


Join Our WhatsApp Channel for Opportunity Updates

Get Daily Updates

Join our Telegram Channel for Opportunity Updates

Get Daily Updates

Next Article

Contact Us

For Submitting a Post

contact@lawdrishti.com

For Banner ads & admission campaigns

advertise@lawdrishti.com

Timing

Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM (Mon-Sat)

See the below animation to allow notifications.

Start getting Lawdrishti updates useful for you!

Contact Us

For Submitting a Post

For Banner ads & admission campaigns

Contact us
For Submitting a Post
For Banner ads & admission campaigns
Timing

Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM (Mon-Sat)