The Patna High Court has granted bail to two juveniles allegedly found transporting more than 65 kilograms of cannabis, while ordering an inquiry into their ages and the security failures surrounding their journey.
The Juvenile Justice Board had assessed the applicants as children, although investigators initially recorded them as adults. The High Court held that Section 12 of the Juvenile Justice Act makes bail the norm and permits refusal only where release would expose the child to criminal association, danger, or defeat the ends of justice. The gravity of the alleged narcotics offence alone was insufficient.
At the same time, the court questioned how two undocumented minors could drive from Guwahati to Patna with contraband concealed in a vehicle. It directed the Senior Superintendent of Police, Patna, to examine age records, schooling, government benefits and possible security lapses within three months. Bail may be reconsidered if concealment or fraud is established.
