NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported illegal confinement of a minor boy as an adult inmate at Kasna jail in Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh for more than two months before being shifted to a juvenile home

**Executive Summary** The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken *suo motu* cognizance of the illegal two-month confinement of a 16-year-old minor in an adult jail in Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. The Commission has issued notices to state authorities for a detailed report within two weeks and ordered a spot enquiry by its investigation team within one week. The intervention addresses reported human rights violations, including the wrongful detention of a minor, police assault, and the victim's continued stay in a juvenile home due to his family's inability to pay bail surety. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Incident Details and Detention** * A 16-year-old boy from Shahjahanpur was arrested on April 14, 2026, and held at Kasna jail as an adult for two months. * The arrest followed laborer protests in the district regarding pay hikes and working conditions. * An ossification test eventually confirmed the victim's status as a minor, leading to his transfer to a juvenile home. * **Allegations of Police Misconduct** * The victim was reportedly lured to a location via a phone call regarding a parcel and subsequently arrested. * An FIR was registered under several serious sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. * Police are alleged to have assaulted the boy and forced him to sign certain documents. * **Current Legal Status** * The victim remains in a juvenile home despite being granted bail by the court. * His family has been unable to arrange the required surety bond for his release due to poverty. * **Commission Directives and Deadlines** * Notices have been issued to the Director General of Prisons Administration and Reform Services and the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh. * A detailed report from these state officials is due within two weeks. * The NHRC Director General (Investigation) is required to depute a team for a spot enquiry and submit a report within one week. **Impact Analysis** **The Victim (Minor Boy)** **Impact:** Subjected to illegal confinement in an adult prison for over two months, alleged physical assault, and prolonged detention in a juvenile home despite receiving bail. **Action Required:** None specified for the victim; his release depends on the provision of a surety bond or further legal intervention. **Director General of Police and Director General of Prisons Administration, Uttar Pradesh** **Impact:** Held accountable for the reported human rights violations and the procedural failure of detaining a minor in an adult facility. **Action Required:** Must submit a detailed report on the matter to the NHRC within two weeks. **NHRC Director General (Investigation)** **Impact:** Tasked with the independent verification of the media reports and the circumstances of the case. **Action Required:** Depute a team of officers to conduct a spot enquiry and submit a report within one week. **Victim’s Family** **Impact:** Financial hardship prevents them from securing the victim's release despite a court-granted bail. **Action Required:** No specific action mandated by the document, though their financial status is identified as a barrier to the victim's release.

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