In Brief
A 16-year-old boy accused of murder with theft and criminal intimidation claimed to be a juvenile. Multiple school certificates showed conflicting dates of birth (1994, 1995, 1996). An investigation revealed that transfer certificates were forged and previous schools denied his attendance. The Juvenile Justice Board ordered a medical ossification test, which assessed his age as approximately 19 years. The Supreme Court dismissed his appeal, holding that when school certificates are proved forged or contradictory, courts may resort to medical examination. The benevolent principles of juvenile law do not shield accused minors who commit grave crimes with apparent maturity and then abuse statutory protection.
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