In a significant ruling, the Uttarakhand High Court has ordered the immediate release of a man who had been serving a life sentence for a 2003 murder, after conclusively establishing that he was a juvenile at the time of the crime. The man, identified as Mobin, had already spent over 13 years behind bars.
A Conviction Overturned by Age
The court declared Mobin a 'juvenile in conflict with law', rendering his continued detention unlawful under the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act. A division bench comprising Justices Ravindra Maithani and Ashish Naithani passed the order after a thorough inquiry into his age.
Mobin's legal ordeal began with his conviction for murder and robbery under sections 302 and 393 of the Indian Penal Code. The additional district and sessions judge in Roorkee pronounced him guilty on February 15, 2008. This conviction was later upheld by the High Court on March 20, 2013, and the Supreme Court dismissed his final appeal in August 2013.
The Crime and the Long Road to Justice
The case traces back to June 24, 2003, near Kaliyar in Roorkee. Mobin, along with four others—Imran, Shaharwan, Mustakeem, and Farman—allegedly intercepted two men on a scooter. In the incident, one victim, Jaipal Singh, was killed, while the other, Mahendra Singh, was injured and robbed. During the original trial, two of the co-accused, Mustakeem and Farman, were declared juveniles. However, Mobin and the two others were tried and sentenced as adults.
Years after his conviction, Mobin filed an application from jail asserting that he too was a minor on the date of the offence. He requested a reconsideration of his case under juvenile law. The High Court received this plea on June 15, 2021, and directed the police to verify his age. When the police report failed to provide a conclusive finding, the court took a decisive step.
Court's Independent Inquiry Seals the Case
On August 19, 2025, the bench ordered its Registrar (Judicial) to conduct an independent inquiry. The registrar's investigation was meticulous, examining school records, witness statements, and official documents. The report conclusively established that Mobin's date of birth was May 22, 1988, making him a juvenile in June 2003. The court found this evidence to be credible and reliable, forming the bedrock of its final decision.
This ruling underscores the critical importance of accurate age determination in criminal proceedings involving young offenders. It highlights the judiciary's role in rectifying legal oversights, even years after a conviction, to ensure the correct application of protective laws meant for children. Mobin's release marks the end of a protracted legal battle that ultimately affirmed the primacy of the Juvenile Justice Act.
