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Juvenile Justice Board Frees 16-Year-Old After Six Years

1/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Pooja, a 16-year-old from Uttar Pradesh, was accused of murdering her mother in 2018 and spent six years in prison without JJB involvement.
In 2024, the case was transferred to a Juvenile Justice Board, which confirmed her age and released her.
Experts criticize India's juvenile system for under-resourced JJBs and oversight gaps, with over half the cases pending and facilities crowded.

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Story summary

Pooja, a 16-year-old from Uttar Pradesh, was accused of murdering her mother in 2018 and spent six years in prison without JJB involvement.
In 2024, the case was transferred to a Juvenile Justice Board, which confirmed her age and released her.
Experts criticize India's juvenile system for under-resourced JJBs and oversight gaps, with over half the cases pending and facilities crowded.