ABUZAR HOSSAIN @ GULAM HOSSAIN vs STATE OF WEST BENGAL

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of juvenility in criminal proceedings, emphasizing that juveniles must be treated differently from adults as per the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000. The Court held that claims of juvenility can be raised at any stage, including in appeals, and referred the matter to a larger bench due to conflicting precedents in Gopinath Ghosh v. State of West Bengal and Akbar Sheikh v. State of West Bengal. The Court underscored the need for a uniform juvenile justice system in line with constitutional provisions and international standards.