The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the bail petition of a minor, observing that the juvenile, booked for four identical cases, could not escape the clutches of law on the grounds of his age.
Terming the accused an incorrigible offender, the Bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan observed that it was important for the accused to understand the repercussions of his action. He could not keep looting people and get away in the name of being a juvenile.
Taking note of the serious offences against the petitioner, the Apex Court noted that there was no need to treat him as a juvenile.
The petitioner was earlier denied bail by the Rajasthan High Court in a case related to extortion and criminal intimidation.
He was currently on bail in three other cases.
Noting that the accused has been in custody for the past 1.8 years, the top court of the country observed that in case the juvenile court held him guilty, the maximum punishment imposed on him would be three years.
The Bench further noted that charges have been framed against the accused and even though witnesses have been summoned, they failed to appear before the trial court.
Since the witnesses not turning up could have something to do with the right of the petitioner to have a speedy trial, the presiding officer of the juvenile court should see that the prosecution was able to produce the witnesses before the court, the Apex Court pointed out.
The Bench further directed the trial court to complete the trial within four months. If needed, the trial should be conducted on a day-to-day basis, it added.