Court cites serious procedural lapses and manipulation in investigation as reasons for bail denial.
In a significant judgment, the Rajasthan High Court, Jaipur Bench, has denied bail to a juvenile accused in a murder case involving significant procedural delays and alleged manipulation of the investigation. The judgment was delivered by Justice Ravi Chirania on June 30, 2026, in the case titled "Conflict With Law Juvenile X v. State of Rajasthan."
The case revolves around an FIR filed over a month after the alleged incident, in which a juvenile was accused of committing offenses under Sections 302 and 120B of the Indian Penal Code. The FIR, registered on June 15, 2022, pertains to an incident that allegedly occurred on May 12, 2022. The counsel for the petitioner highlighted the delay in lodging the FIR and the absence of a post-mortem or Panchnama, arguing that these factors indicate no offense was initially perceived by the complainant, who had submitted a letter to the police expressing no grievance.
The court noted that despite the initial lack of grievance, a protest petition filed on August 22, 2022, led to the lower court taking cognizance of the case on October 7, 2024. This sequence of events raised questions about the conduct of the police investigation, with allegations of manipulation and failure to perform due procedures such as the Panchnama before handing over the body for funeral rites.
The Public Prosecutor and counsel for the complainant opposed the bail application, citing the involvement of the juvenile and his family in manipulating the investigation. They argued that the family's actions prevented a proper post-mortem and hurried the funeral process, suggesting an intent to conceal facts.
Justice Chirania, after reviewing the case materials and the arguments presented, criticized the police for their serious procedural lapses, which appeared intentional. The court emphasized the duty of the police to conduct a thorough investigation, including a Panchnama, regardless of the complainant's initial stance. Given these considerations, the court concluded that it was not appropriate to grant bail at this stage, dismissing the juvenile's criminal revision petition.
Bottom line:-
Juvenile Justice - Bail application of a juvenile accused - Delay in lodging FIR and lack of post-mortem or Panchnama highlighted - Court held that serious lacuna on part of police in conducting investigation - Cognizance order by lower court considered - Bail denied.
Statutory provision(s): Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 Section 102, Indian Penal Code Sections 302, 120B.
