Delhi gangrape: SC admits plea seeking juvenile accused be considered as an adult

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice to the Centre and the Delhi Police after a Chandigarh-based lawyer filed a PIL seeking that the juvenile accused in the horrific Delhi gangrape case be considered as an adult. The PIL stated that the mental age, and not the physical age, of the accused should be taken into consideration, as he had been involved in such a heinous crime.

The accused has been claiming to be a minor, with reports suggesting that he is 17 year. The Juvenile Justice Board that was looking into the matter has reserved its order for January 28. The statements of two of his school principals have been recorded.

If the court is not satisfied with the statements and the proof presented by the principals, it may order a bone-ossification test.

The PIL stated that the mental age, and not the physical age, of the minor accused should be taken into consideration.

Meanwhile, the accused's family in Badaun in western Uttar Pradesh is shocked to know that he is alive. The accused had left home five years ago and had been untraceable since then. His family now says he should be punished if found guilty.

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