PAPPU vs SONU

The Supreme Court allowed the appeal against the Allahabad High Court's judgment which had declared the respondent a juvenile based solely on a doctor's certificate, despite the High Court acknowledging that educational records and maternal statements were unreliable. The Court emphasized that the High Court's conclusion lacked a solid evidentiary basis and stated that the respondent could still prove his juvenile status during the trial with credible evidence. The ruling reinforces the necessity of reliable evidence in determining juvenile status under Rule 22(5) of the Uttar Pradesh Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules, 2004.