Ahmedabad Court Orders Fresh Psychological Evaluation for Juvenile Murder Accused
A city sessions court in Ahmedabad has directed a new psychological assessment for a juvenile accused of murdering a builder last year. This step aims to determine whether the minor should face trial as an adult under the Juvenile Justice Act.
Background of the Case
The juvenile was arrested along with two other individuals shortly after the murder of Himmat Rudani in September 2025. Police discovered Rudani's body in the trunk of his own car. Authorities alleged that Rudani's former business partner, Mansukh Lakhani, hired the accused to carry out the killing.
Following his arrest, officials sent the juvenile to the Mehsana remand home. The Juvenile Justice Board then ordered Mehsana Civil Hospital to conduct a psychological evaluation. This assessment sought to examine the juvenile's violent tendencies and decide if he should be treated as an adult due to the serious nature of the crime.
Initial Decision and Legal Challenge
Based on the psychologist's report, the Juvenile Justice Board decided not to try the juvenile as an adult. However, Dhaval Rudani, the son of the deceased builder, challenged this decision. He filed a petition through his advocate, Virat Popat.
Special Judge M P Purohit of the children court reviewed the case. The judge noted that although a clinical psychologist from Mehsana General Hospital had examined the juvenile, the board proceeded without considering him mature enough for adult trial.
Court's Ruling and New Assessment Order
Judge Purohit emphasized the necessity for a fresh assessment from another psychologist. The court issued a specific order to address this need.
The court directed the Resident Medical Officer of Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad to obtain a detailed report from a clinical psychologist. This assessment must comply with Section 15(1) of the Juvenile Justice Act. The RMO is required to submit the report to the court for further consideration.
This new evaluation will play a crucial role in deciding the juvenile's legal status. The outcome could significantly impact whether he faces trial as a minor or an adult for the alleged murder.
