The Patna High Court fine Rs 5 lakh on state government after finding serious lapses in a case involving the illegal detention of a minor. The court said the authorities failed to follow juvenile justice laws while handling the case.
According to the court, a 15-year-old boy was arrested by the police and sent to jail instead of being placed in a juvenile home. The judges noted that his age was clearly mentioned in school records, yet proper verification was ignored.
The bench directed the Bihar government to pay Rs 5 lakh as compensation to the victim. In addition, Rs 15,000 was ordered to be paid as litigation costs.
The court also instructed the state to conduct a detailed inquiry to identify the officials responsible for the violation. The investigation must be completed within six months, and the compensation amount may later be recovered from the guilty officers.
The judges stressed that sending a minor to an adult jail is a serious breach of law. Copies of the order were sent to senior police and judicial authorities to ensure corrective action.
The ruling highlights the importance of protecting children’s rights and following legal procedures strictly.
