Reviewed case brief

Gopinath Ghosh v. State of WB

AIR 1984 SC 237

The decision imposing a positive duty on courts to inquire into juvenility even when the accused fails to raise the claim.

juvenile-justiceage-inquirycourt-dutysuo-motusem-5
Court
Supreme Court of India
Year
1984
Subjects
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
Reviewed
2026-06-29

Rule established

The court has a duty to inquire into the age of the accused suo motu if there is any indication of juvenility. It is not merely the right of the accused but the obligation of the court.

Facts

    Issues

      Held

        Ratio decidendi

        How to use it in an exam

        Editorial source

        AIR

        Educational summary only. Read the reported judgment or an authorised law report before relying on the case professionally.