NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Minor Boy’s Alleged Illegal Detention in Adult Jail in Uttar Pradesh

June 20, 2026 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report alleging that a 16-year-old boy from Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur district was illegally detained in an adult prison for nearly two months despite being a minor. The case has raised serious concerns regarding the protection of children’s rights and adherence to juvenile justice laws.

According to the NHRC, the boy was arrested and lodged in Kasna Jail in Gautam Budh Nagar district as an adult. Even after an ossification test reportedly confirmed that he was a minor, authorities allegedly took six more days to transfer him to a juvenile home. The Commission noted that the boy continues to remain in the juvenile facility despite having been granted bail, as his financially distressed family has been unable to furnish the required surety bond.

Taking note of the matter, the NHRC observed that if the allegations reported in the media are true, they indicate a grave violation of the victim’s human rights. The Commission has issued notices to the Director General of Prisons Administration and Reform Services, Uttar Pradesh, and the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, seeking a detailed report within two weeks.

In addition, the Commission has directed its Director General (Investigation) to send a team of officers to conduct an on-the-spot inquiry and submit a report within one week.

As per the media report published on 16 June 2026, the boy allegedly received a phone call on 14 April 2026 regarding a parcel in his name. Upon reaching the specified location, he was reportedly apprehended by police personnel. An FIR was subsequently registered against him under several serious provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The report further alleges that the police assaulted the boy during custody and compelled him to sign certain documents. The circumstances surrounding his arrest and subsequent detention have sparked concerns among human rights advocates regarding due process, child protection safeguards, and the treatment of juveniles within the criminal justice system.

The NHRC’s intervention is expected to bring greater scrutiny to the actions of law enforcement and prison authorities in the case. The Commission’s findings and the reports sought from the state authorities will play a crucial role in determining accountability and ensuring that the rights of the minor are adequately protected under the law.