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The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (September 15) upheld the order of the Juvenile Justice Board, Alappuzha that allowed the escorted movement of the children in conflict with law (CCLs) for evidence collection in the Karuvatta murder case. [2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 505]

A detailed order is awaited.

The case refers to the murder of a 67-year-old man on August 17, 2026 allegedly by his 13-year-old granddaughter and three other minors. The minors are presently housed at the Government Observation Home, Alappuzha.

Justice G. Girish last week heard detailed arguments by the petitioners' counsel and Director General of Prosecution T. Asaf Ali, and thereafter, reserved the verdict in the plea. The judge pronounced in open court today:

"Revision dismissed."

The criminal revision petition was filed by 3 of the CCL Nos. 1 to 4 in the crime registered by the Haripad Police Station challenging JJB's order dated September 7. Last week, the Court had stayed the JJB's order.

According to the plea, the CCLs are accused of the offences under Sections 61(1), 49, 332(a), 103(1), 309, 238, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The Child Welfare Police Officer filed an application before the JJB to interview the CCLs and requested their "escort movement" for evidence collection and recovery, which was allowed despite objections.

The plea contended that the conditions imposed while allowing "escorted movement" are contradictory since though it mentions that the children cannot be exposed to the public, they are authorised to visit an EV charging station, a Railway Station, and a KSRTC Bus Stand. Another ground taken was of violation of natural justice since the date and time of the movement is to be kept secret and communicated privately but the same left the children under a constant, arbitrary threat of imminent police control and effectively curtailing their right to prefer appellate remedies.

The petition was moved by Advocate K. Dhruv Kumar.

Case No: Crl.Rev.Pet No. 998/2026

Case Title: X and Ors. v. State of Kerala and Anr.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 505


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