BABLOO PASI vs STATE OF JHARKHAND

The Supreme Court held that the High Court's order, which deemed the accused a juvenile under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, was passed without notice to the appellant, violating principles of natural justice. The Court emphasized that the age determination process must consider all evidence, including medical opinions, as per Rule 22(5) of the Jharkhand Juvenile Justice Rules, 2003. Consequently, the Court set aside the High Court's order and reinstated the Board's conclusion that the accused was not a juvenile.