The Lahore High Court has set aside a sessions court’s decision that declared an accused an adult on the basis of a medical board’s assessment, directing the trial court to reconsider the accused’s age in accordance with the law, reported 24NewsHD TV
The high court directed the trial court to hear all parties and issue a fresh order under the Juvenile Justice System.
The court observed that under Islamic and international law, a person below the age of 18 is considered a child. It further noted that the principles of leniency, rehabilitation and welfare apply in cases involving juvenile accused.
The Lahore High Court ordered the trial court to determine the accused’s age while keeping the relevant legal provisions and juvenile justice principles in view.