RANJEET GOSWAMI vs STATE OF JHARKHAND

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of determining juvenility under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, specifically referencing Section 2(l). The Court emphasized the need for a thorough and cogent examination of evidence when assessing age claims, particularly in light of the appellant's assertion of being a juvenile at the time of the alleged offenses under Sections 376, 302, and 201 IPC. The Court ultimately upheld the decision of the Juvenile Justice Board, which found the appellant to be an adult based on medical evidence, thereby affirming the trial court's jurisdiction over the case.