Justice Delayed for Juvenile Prisoners: Calcutta High Court Orders Release

In a landmark move, the Calcutta High Court has intervened to order the immediate release and repatriation of a Bangladeshi national imprisoned for over 21 years. Arrested as a minor in 2005 for illegal entry into India, the court found his detention unjust beyond the permissible juvenile sentence of seven years.

Presided by Justice Rajasekhar Mantha, the division bench emphasized the need for swift action following an ossification test confirming the inmate was a minor at the time of arrest. The High Court has directed state authorities to facilitate his return to Bangladesh promptly.

In a concurrent verdict, another juvenile inmate, apprehended 14 years ago, will also regain freedom. The court cited the legal provision restricting juvenile incarceration to a maximum of seven years, highlighting a need for reform in handling juvenile cases.