#Section 191

The Supreme Court ruled that failure to conduct a mandatory preliminary assessment under Section 19(1) of the Juvenile Justice Act before trial renders the proceedings void. The Court acquitted the appellant, who had been incarcerated for six years, reinforcing strict compliance with procedural safeguards for children in conflict with law.

The Supreme Court ruled that Children’s Courts must pass a reasoned order under Section 19(1) of the Juvenile Justice Act before proceeding with a trial as an adult. Failure to comply with this mandatory procedural safeguard vitiates the conviction, reinforcing the Act’s rehabilitative focus over punitive measures.