SALIL BALI vs UNION OF INDIA

The Supreme Court addressed multiple writ petitions challenging the constitutionality of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, specifically Sections 2(k), 2(l), and 21. The Court held that the provisions allowing juveniles to be treated leniently in serious crimes like rape and murder are inconsistent with the need for justice and public safety, particularly in light of increasing juvenile crime rates. The Court directed the Union of India to amend the Act to align it with constitutional mandates and international standards for juvenile justice.