Home / Crime and Justice / Hyderabad Rape Trial Stalled by Juvenile Status Debate
Hyderabad Rape Trial Stalled by Juvenile Status Debate
3 Mar
Summary
- Trial delayed over trying juveniles as adults in 2022 gangrape case.
- High court ordered fresh inquiry into juvenile accused status in April 2023.
- Adult accused trial proceeds while juvenile status remains under scrutiny.

A significant delay is impacting the trial of a 2022 gangrape case in Hyderabad concerning a 17-year-old victim. The core issue revolves around determining if four of the five juvenile accused should be prosecuted as adults. Initially, the juvenile justice board found these individuals had the capacity and understanding to face adult charges, transferring their case in September 2022.
Following appeals against this decision, the Telangana High Court intervened in April 2023, setting aside previous orders and mandating a fresh inquiry. This directive was followed by the juvenile court again concluding that the juveniles could be tried as adults in January 2024. However, these juveniles have since challenged this latest order, and appeals are currently being heard.
Simultaneously, the court is hearing arguments against the one adult accused under various acts. Once these arguments conclude, charges will be framed, and the trial will commence. The sixth accused, the son of an MLA, who faced only molestation charges, has already had their trial begin in the juvenile court.



