NHRC Acts on Reports That Boy Was Treated as Adult Inmate at Kasna Jail Before Transfer to Juvenile Home

(Judicial Quest News Network)

New Delhi: 19th June 2026-The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken Suo motu cognizance of reports that a minor boy was illegally confined as an adult inmate at Kasna jail in Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, for more than two months before being transferred to a juvenile home.

Police reportedly arrested the boy during protests by labourers in the district demanding a pay hike and better working conditions.

Although a court granted bail, the child remains in the juvenile home because his impoverished family has been unable to furnish the surety required for his release, prompting concerns about potential violations of juvenile justice protections.

The boy continues to languish in the juvenile facility even after being granted bail, as his impoverished family failed to furnish the surety bond. The report further alleges that police assaulted him, forced signatures on documents, and booked him under serious provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Taking note of these allegations, the Commission observed that the contents, if true, raise serious concerns of human rights violations. It has issued notices to the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Prisons Administration and Reform Services and the Director General of Police, seeking a detailed report within two weeks.

Additionally, the NHRC has directed its Director General (Investigation) to depute a team for a spot enquiry and submit findings within a week.

The media report, dated 16 June 2026, states that the boy was lured by a phone call about a parcel in his name on 14 April 2026, only to be arrested upon arrival.

His detention, coupled with alleged custodial assault, underscores systemic lapses in safeguarding juvenile rights.