When a specific question was posed as to why a direction is required in a case where bail is mandatory under Section 12 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”), the learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the bail application of the juvenile is not being considered on the same day of appearance, as the Juvenile Justice Board wants the report of the Probation Officer before the grant of bail and that compels the minor to stay in Observation Home which the petitioner wants to avoid. Under such circumstances, this application for direction is taken up.

The petitioner is directed to appear before the Juvenile Justice Board within ten days from the date of receipt of a copy of this order and file bail application. The Juvenile Justice Board is directed to consider and pass orders on the bail application of the petitioner on merits on the same day of his appearance.