Karuvatta murder case: Kerala HC stays JJB order allowing escorted movement of children against law for evidence

The Kerala High Court stayed the order of the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), Alappuzha, allowing the police to transport children in conflict with the law (CCL) in a murder case through various public places in the district for securing evidence on Wednesday.

Single Judge G. Girish granted time to the state to respond to the petitions filed by the first, second and third CCLs, while staying the operation of the board’s order allowing a “concurrent motion” for taking evidence.

The council’s order reportedly allowed police requests, given the seriousness of the alleged offence, to impose certain conditions to protect the welfare of the children, including that movement was only permitted for specified purposes, transportation in an unidentifiable vehicle to avoid public attention, to avoid exposure to the public, the media and social media, and that the children would be under the responsibility of the Special Police Juvenile Unit (SJPU).

In their application to the High Court, the children argued that there was no “accompanying movement” provision in the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015 for the collection and recovery of evidence. They argued that the order ignored their detailed objections, which stated that the proposed investigation to recover the gloves, gold and digital data could be effectively conducted using alternative, less intrusive digital interventions, cyber analysis, cyber analysis and testimony. children from the observation home, Alappuzha, where they are currently kept. The petitioners also challenged before the board whether the officer taking responsibility for the children during an escorted move had a valid designation as a Child Welfare Police Officer (CWPO) and whether he had completed the mandatory special training as a member of the SJPU.

The petitioners also argued before the High Court that the order deliberately concealed the date and time of the movement and said the Council had no power to authorize the police custody of CCL.

Four minors are under investigation for the alleged murder of a man in Alappuzha.

Published – 9 Sep 2026 20:47 IST