The Delhi High Court on Friday said the 16 December 2012 Delhi gang-rape “juvenile” convict’s stay in the observation home cannot be extended.
A division bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath said the convict, who was found to be a juvenile at the time of the crime, cannot be kept at the observation home beyond 20 December, the date he was initially set to be released.
Here are some key excerpts from the judgment.
The High Court said it cannot prohibit the juvenile’s release as per statutory and existing provisions of law.
Respondent no. 1 refers to the former juvenile convicted in the case.
The court also asked the Juvenile Justice Board to interact with the convict, his guardians and officials of Delhi government regarding his rehabilitation post the release.
Importantly, the court said reformation of juveniles before they are released, requires deeper consideration and sought the government’s response.
The court will take the issue up for further consideration on 28 March 2016.
Click here to read the judgement.
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