Allahabad High Court Quashes Regular FIR Against Juveniles for Serious Offences

The Allahabad High Court quashed criminal proceedings against two children after finding that registration of a regular FIR for the alleged serious offences breached Rule 8 of the Juvenile Justice Model Rules.

Background and dispute

The minors were accused of aggravated criminal intimidation and wrongful restraint. The Court examined the procedure for children in conflict with law and the statutory distinction between serious and heinous offences.

Legal issue and court’s approach

Justice Saurabh Srivastava explained that ordinary FIR registration is permitted for heinous offences or alleged offences committed jointly with adults. Other cases require a general diary entry, social background report and referral to the Juvenile Justice Board.

Order and practical consequence

The impugned FIR and consequential proceedings were quashed.