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The State of Uttar Pradesh v. Anurudh & Anr.

Not available · 2026 INSC 47Decided 9 Jan 2026
Not available
Justice Sanjay Karol · Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh

Background

While granting bail, a High Court ordered a medical age-determination test for the victim and then issued sweeping, state-wide directions requiring such tests as a default step in every POCSO case going forward.

Decision Breakdown

The Supreme Court held a bail court has no power to issue binding, prospective policy directions statewide, and that medical age-determination is only a fallback under the Juvenile Justice Act: school/birth records must be checked first. It also flagged genuine concern over POCSO misuse in consensual adolescent relationships, referring the issue to the Law Ministry.

Lesson Learnt

Age determination must first rely on documentary proof; a medical test is only a fallback. Courts hearing bail applications cannot use that order to lay down binding, system-wide investigative policy.

Official source (sci.gov.in)View Judgment (PDF)

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