Juvenility under JJ Act: Private Documents Not Conclusive Proof of Age, says SC

The Supreme Court ruled on juvenility under JJ Act, holding that private school records alone are not conclusive proof of age. In Suresh vs. The State of Uttar Pradesh  delivered 1 August 2025, the Court found that private school records of transfer based on oral statements were unreliable when contrary evidence of more credible nature exists. 

The bar of Section 12 in The Juvenile Justice (Care And Protection Of Children) Rules, 2007 is not rigid. The documentary evidence needs to be verifiable and credible. However in cases of grave and heinous offence with conflicting evidence regarding age, medical opinion or documents of public character would take precedence. In this case the Court relied primarily on the doctor’s estimation of age which is a stronger substance of proof due to its emphasis on scientific methodology. The entry in the Voter’s List of U.P. Panchayat Raj Act, 1947 disclosed the age of the accused to be about 22 years of age. 

The Court maintained its balancing act by reaffirming the ratio in Om Prakash v. State of Rajasthan. The Statute does not permit the accused to commit a grave offence and take statutory shield under the guise of being a minor. When there happens to be reasonable doubt about assertion of minority, due weight needs to be given to scientific investigation to determine authenticity and ulterior motives. 

The conduct and manner of commission of crime can also shed light on the matured skill of the accused rather than a child. The Juvenile Justice is a benevolent legislation meant for minors without the matured mind who wants to use the plea as a ploy against the course of justice.

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Internship Opportunity at Kerala Judicial Reforms Council

Are you a law student eager to make a difference in the judicial system? The Kerala Judicial Reforms Council (KJRC) is excited to announce its Internship Program, tailored for passionate individuals interested in judicial reforms and legal research. This virtual internship spans one month and offers invaluable experience for aspiring legal professionals.

About KJRC

The Kerala Judicial Reforms Council, a subsidiary of the National Judicial Reforms Council, is dedicated to identifying gaps in the judicial system and enhancing the delivery of justice. KJRC has hosted numerous webinars, panel discussions, and awareness initiatives, making it a hub for legal innovation and reform.

Internship Details

Position: Legal Intern
Mode: Virtual
Tenure: 1 month

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Law students enrolled in a 3-year LLB or 5-year integrated BA LLB program.
  • Completion of at least the 2nd year of BA LLB or 1st year of LLB is required.

Key Responsibilities

As a Legal Intern, you will:

  1. Assist in legal research and document drafting related to judicial reforms.
  2. Prepare reports and case studies.
  3. Participate in KJRC’s workshops, webinars, and panel discussions.

Skills Required

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Comfort in front of the camera.
  • Basic graphic design and video editing abilities.
  • Experience in social media content creation.
  • Understanding of YouTube video standards.

Application Process

To apply, submit samples of your content creation or video editing work along with innovative social media ideas for KJRC.

Deadline: 30th October 2024

For inquiries, please reach out at keralajrc@gmail.com.

Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to meaningful judicial reforms. Apply today and be part of the change!


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