Panchkula school assault case: 8-year-old granted bail; parents barred from giving him mobile phone

PANCHKULA: The Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), Panchkula, has granted bail to the eight-year-old boy facing proceedings in the school assault case after his parents gave an undertaking that he would not be allowed access to a mobile phone and would undergo counselling, behavioural guidance and any treatment deemed necessary.The Class III student was represented before the board through his father.In the bail application, the parents undertook to take full responsibility for his care and supervision, while ensuring a healthy family environment, proper upbringing, education and moral guidance.They also assured the board that the child would undergo counselling, behavioural intervention and rehabilitation measures as advised by the competent authority.In addition, they undertook to provide him with appropriate medical care and all necessary support for his physical and mental well-being.The application stated that the child had cooperated with investigators and had no previous criminal record.It further argued that prolonged stay in custody could adversely affect his education, academic progress and overall development.The parents also assured the Board that they would ensure his presence whenever required and comply with all conditions imposed while granting bail.In a separate plea filed under Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, the boy’s father sought directions for the removal of videos, photographs and other content related to the case from social media platforms and public forums.The plea contended that such material could lead to the identification of the child and expose him to humiliation, discrimination and bullying.It also sought directions to the investigating officer and school authorities to prevent the further circulation of any material that could reveal the child’s identity.Acting on the application, the board directed authorities to ensure the removal of the assault video from social media within 15 days. The child had earlier been lodged in an observation home in Ambala.The board also directed that his studies should not be disrupted and ordered treatment after receiving a report from GMCH-32, which had recommended medical intervention after observing behavioural abnormalities.The matter is being pursued against the boy under Sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing simple hurt), 117(2) (voluntarily causing grievous hurt) and 127(2) (wrongful confinement) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The case was recorded through a Daily Diary Report (DDR) at Sector 20 police station.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Chandigarh | Silver Rate in Chandigarh | Bank Holidays in Chandigarh | Public Holidays in Chandigarh | Chandigarh AQI | Weather in Chandigarh | Petrol Price in Chandigarh | Diesel Price in Chandigarh | CNG Price in Chandigarh | LPG Price in ChandigarhStay updated with the latest Chandigarh news. Download the TOI App.