Juvenile bail is warranted where release presents no risk of criminal association or danger.

The applicant, a child in conflict with law, was charged under Sections 137(2), 87 and 64(m) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Sections 4 and 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, arising from allegations that he took a girl under 15 from her parents’ custody and sexually exploited her

The Juvenile Justice Board rejected his bail application under Section 12 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015; the appellate court dismissed his appeal. He challenged that dismissal in revision under Section 102 of the 2015 Act

The applicant had been in an Observation Home since 11 February 2026, had no prior involvement in conflict with law, and had a social status report that was not adverse

1. Whether the applicant should be released on bail under Section 12 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, notwithstanding the seriousness of the allegations

2. Whether the record disclosed any statutory ground for refusing bail, including a likelihood that release would bring the applicant into association with known criminals, expose him to moral, physical or psychological danger, or defeat the ends of justice

Section 12 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, governs bail for a child alleged to be in conflict with law and provides for release on bail unless there are reasonable grounds to believe that release is likely to bring the child into association with a known criminal, expose the child to moral, physical or psychological danger, or defeat the ends of justice

The Court exercised its revisional jurisdiction under Section 102 of the 2015 Act to review the appellate order

Although the allegations involved kidnapping and sexual exploitation, the Court focused on the statutory grounds for refusing bail.

The applicant was a first-time child in conflict with law, his conduct and behaviour were not reported as negative, and the social status report was not adverse

The prosecution had not brought to the Court’s notice material indicating that release would create any of the risks specified in Section 12; the Court therefore found release appropriate

It directed release into his parents’ custody upon furnishing a ₹25,000 personal bond and one surety for the like amount, subject to conditions concerning attendance before the Juvenile Justice Board, cooperation with the proceedings, identity verification, supervision, and avoidance of criminal or undesirable influences.