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.
M&A Associate Aekom Legal Delhi – Join a Leading Corporate Law Practice
Are you a highly skilled corporate lawyer with a passion for mergers, acquisitions, and private equity transactions? Aekom Legal is inviting applications for the role of Associate and Senior Associate – M&A Practice at its Delhi office. If you thrive in high-pressure deal environments and are looking to work with some of the most respected professionals in the field, this is your opportunity.
This is your chance to take your corporate legal career to the next level with a firm that has consistently handled some of the most complex and high-value M&A deals in the country. The role is ideal for professionals with a strong foundation in M&A, Private Equity, and General Corporate advisory work, and who are now ready to deepen their exposure and impact.
Position Overview: M&A Associate Aekom Legal Delhi
At Aekom Legal, we focus on delivering high-impact legal solutions in complex corporate transactions. Our M&A practice is known for its strategic involvement in both domestic and cross-border deals across sectors, including tech, real estate, infrastructure, fintech, and energy.
Joining as a M&A Associate Aekom Legal Delhi means you’ll:
Gain hands-on exposure to multimillion-dollar deals.
Work directly with Partners and clients on transactional structuring.
Be part of a collaborative and fast-paced environment.
Access opportunities for rapid career progression based on merit.
Key Responsibilities
As an M&A Associate at Aekom Legal, your day-to-day responsibilities will include:
Advising on structuring M&A and PE transactions, including legal due diligence, risk allocation, and compliance.
Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating transaction documents, such as share purchase agreements, shareholders’ agreements, and investment agreements.
Conducting legal due diligence and preparing detailed reports on target companies.
Assisting in deal execution, regulatory approvals, and post-closing compliance.
Providing general corporate advisory services to clients, including on governance, FDI, and SEBI matters.
Coordinating with financial advisors, tax consultants, and international law firms for cross-border deals.
Required Skills & Qualifications
To qualify for the role of M&A Associate Aekom Legal Delhi, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Educational Background:
LL.B. or equivalent degree from a recognized law school in India.
Strong academic record.
Experience:
For Associate: 2–3 years PQE in M&A, PE, or Corporate Law.
For Senior Associate: 3–5 years PQE in similar practice areas with demonstrated leadership in deal execution.
Core Competencies:
Solid understanding of corporate laws, SEBI regulations, and FEMA.
Exceptional drafting and negotiation skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent legal research and written communication.
Ability to handle multiple transactions under tight timelines.
Team player with client-facing experience.
Career Growth & Work Culture
At Aekom Legal, we believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and high performance. We offer:
Flat hierarchy and direct mentorship from Partners.
Exposure to high-value clients, both domestic and international.
Internal knowledge sessions, skill enhancement workshops, and access to legal tech tools.
Merit-based promotions and transparent appraisal mechanisms.
We value diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all our team members.
How to Apply for M&A Associate Aekom Legal Delhi Role
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are excited to take the next step in your M&A career, please send your CV and a brief cover email to:
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process, which includes a technical assessment and interviews with the M&A team.
