Ravi Kumar vs State of Bihar

Chakradhari Sharan Singh, J. (Oral)—Heard the parties.

The petitioner, who has been declared to be a child in conflict with law, is aggrieved by an order, dated 08.02.2016, passed by learned Juvenile Justice Board, Rohtas (hereinafter referred to as the "J.J. Board"), in connection with Juvenile Justice Board Case No. 2 of 2016, arising out of Sanjhouli P.S. Case No. 115 of 2015, and order, dated 11.03.2016, passed by learned Sessions Judge, Rohtas at Sasaram, in Cr. Appeal No. 10 of 2016, by which petitioner''s prayer for release on bail has been refused.

The petitioner is an accused in said Sanjhouli P.S. Case No. 115 of 2015, which has been registered for the offence punishable under Section 376(G)/34 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 4/6 of the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.

From the materials on record, it appears that there is no substantial progress in enquiry, contemplated under Section 14 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

Learned senior counsel, appearing on behalf of the petitioner, has submitted that the petitioner has already remained in observation home/custody since 17.12.2015.

Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, without interfering with the impugned orders, passed by the J.J. Board and the learned court below, this application is disposed of with a direction to conclude the enquiry, under Section 14 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, as expeditiously as possible and within a maximum period of six (6) months from the date or receipt/production of copy of this judgment and order.

If the enquiry is not concluded within the aforesaid period, the petitioner shall be at liberty to renew his prayer for bail before appropriate forum in accordance with law.

With the above observations, this application stands disposed of.