The Himachal Pradesh High Court has raised a serious alarm over a massive, unexplained surge in pending juvenile justice cases across the state, coupled with the government's continued failure to establish dedicated child-friendly premises for hearing these sensitive matters.
A "Quantum Jump" in Pending Juvenile Cases
Expressing deep concern, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj noted a shocking increase in cases. While state government data from June 2023 showed 137 pending juvenile cases, a fresh affidavit filed by the High Court's Registrar General on July 1 revealed the number had skyrocketed to 696 cases as of June 26, 2024. The bench termed this dramatic rise a "quantum jump."
This surge is particularly stark in five districts—Kinnaur, Hamirpur, Mandi, Kangra, and Solan—which earlier reported zero pending cases. The latest figures paint a grim picture: Kinnaur (58), Hamirpur (31), Mandi (54), Kangra (159), and Solan (73).
State Government's Failure on Mandated Infrastructure
The court underscored that the Himachal Pradesh government has failed to comply with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules, 2007. The law mandates that Juvenile Justice Boards must function from child-friendly premises, separate from regular courtrooms or observation homes.
The bench highlighted specific rules being violated:
- Rule 9 requires the environment to not resemble a formal court and to be comfortable for children.
- Rule 83 mandates adequate infrastructure, including a dedicated board room, waiting area for children, separate rooms for the principal magistrate and members, and proper record-keeping facilities.
The court emphasized that these norms are essential to protect juvenile rights and ensure judicial processes are effective and sensitive to a child's needs.
Court Directs Immediate Remedial Action
To address this dual crisis of rising caseloads and infrastructural neglect, the High Court has issued specific directives:
The Himachal Pradesh Home Secretary has been ordered to submit an affidavit detailing the redressal steps required. This plan must focus on protecting juvenile interests and ensuring compliance with a Supreme Court order dated February 9, 2018, in the case of 'Sampurna Behura Vs Union of India & Others'.
Simultaneously, the High Court's Registrar General has been directed to convene a meeting of the High Court's Juvenile Justice Committee. This committee will recommend concrete measures based on the alarming current situation.
The case has been scheduled for its next hearing on March 12, 2026, giving authorities time to implement corrective actions and report back to the court.
