Supreme Court Upholds Juveniles' 'Right To Be Forgotten' Under Juvenile Justice Act

Komal Bajpai

Author

Updated: 16-04-2025 at 12:47 PM

Section 24 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 received Supreme Court endorsement for making juvenile crime records subject to destruction for future disqualification prevention. This decision proves the Act focuses on juvenile rehabilitation through its aim of reintegrating young people who have spent time in detention rather than allowing them to carry earlier offences as permanent marks against their names.

Key Highlights

The Supreme Court's decision to forget the past offences of juveniles is a major advancement in India's legal system. This decision ensures that juveniles receive protection from their previous offences so they can obtain fair opportunities for rehabilitation. This judgement includes multiple significant points that describe both its legal effects and its practical consequences.

Also Read: Supreme Court Clarifies: Preliminary Inquiry Not Mandatory Before FIR

1. Protective Provision:

Section 24 of the Juvenile Justice Act ensures that convicted juveniles will remain eligible for opportunities. The law prohibits future disqualifications resulting from previous offences.

2. Destruction of Records:

Section 2 of the sub-section dictates the process of destroying relevant conviction records after a specified timeframe to help children build better futures.

3. Case Background:

In 2021 the juvenile justice board convicted the appellant for a minor offence yet his past conviction became visible during employment screening in 2024 after the police released his character certificate. Under Supreme Court order the disclosure of such records infringed Section 24 because future opportunities need not be burdened by past offences.

Implications Of The Ruling:

Every authority at present and future must abstain from seeking or sharing juvenile court records if they extend the benefits specified in Section 24. The new ruling supports the Juvenile Justice Act by aiming to restore juvenile offenders to society while helping them obtain rehabilitation.

Additional Insights Of The Case

By setting its precedent regarding the 'right to be forgotten' for juveniles the Supreme Court simultaneously strengthens the rehabilitative mission of the Juvenile Justice Act. With its jurisdiction, the Supreme Court protects former juvenile offenders from the long-term effects of former convictions allowing their admission to educational and employment opportunities free from bias.

Also Read: Supreme Court: Compassionate Appointment Cannot Override Rules.

Rehabilitation Focus: Non-heinous juvenile offenders should not carry the weight of their past mistakes according to the Act as they require equal access to education and work opportunities.
Legal Precedents: The Supreme Court judgement adds value to past judicial decisions particularly the Rajasthan High Court which confirmed juveniles should have complete right to be forgotten for current acts. This exemplifies the legal basis for juvenile rehabilitation.

In Conclusion, through this ruling, the Supreme Court protects the rehabilitative framework of juvenile justice which provides reformed young offenders with an opportunity to build futures without their past errors.

Get the latest updates on government schemes and policies with Jaagruk Bharat. Join India's biggest Jaagruk Bharat community. Share your thoughts, questions, and your favourite topics for us to cover.