In a landmark decision, a three-judge division bench of the Calcutta High Court on Friday ruled that juveniles accused of any crime will henceforth be eligible to apply for anticipatory bail, a legal protection previously available only to adults.
The bench comprising Justice Jay Sengupta, Justice Tirthankar Ghosh and Justice Bivas Pattanayak became the first in the country to issue such an order. 
Until now, decisions regarding the release of juvenile offenders were solely under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Justice Board, which did not have the authority to grant anticipatory bail.
Legal experts described the ruling as significant, noting that it extends a crucial legal safeguard to minors for the first time. 
The order, however, was not unanimous. 
While Justice Sengupta and Justice Ghosh supported extending anticipatory bail rights to juveniles, Justice Pattanayak dissented.&nbsp;
With the majority view prevailing, minors accused in criminal cases will now be entitled to seek anticipatory bail.
The bench observed that personal liberty is a fundamental right applicable to all citizens, including juveniles, and therefore they should be accorded equal access to anticipatory bail like adults. 
The judges also noted that while the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act outlines procedures after the arrest of a minor, it does not specify legal measures available before arrest , a gap the court&rsquo;s ruling now addresses.
The decision is expected to influence juvenile justice practices nationwide, expanding legal protections for minors facing criminal accusations.
&mdash;IANS

3-judge bench of Calcutta High Court was first bench of any high court in country to pass such an order

Landmark Calcutta High Court ruling grants juveniles the right to seek anticipatory bail

Calcutta HC Allows Anticipatory Bail For Minors

Landmark Calcutta High Court ruling grants juveniles the right to seek anticipatory bail

November 15, 2025 | 09:52 IST