You're Under 18 and Detained — Different Rules Apply to You
Minors don't go through the same system as adults, and that's a real, enforceable protection — not just a technicality.
If you're under 18, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 kicks in the moment you're taken into custody. You cannot be tried by a regular criminal court — cases involving minors go to the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), a completely separate, protection-focused system.
Police are required to inform your parent or guardian immediately, and a designated Child Welfare Police Officer (or the nearest one available) is supposed to handle your case rather than a general police officer.
You should not be kept in a regular lock-up with adults. If that happens, it's a direct violation worth flagging to a lawyer or a Child Welfare Committee immediately — this is one of the clearest, most well-established minor-protection rules in Indian law.
Minors go through the Juvenile Justice Board, not adult courts or adult custody
Parent/guardian must be informed of a minor's apprehension without delay
Still wondering about...
Can a minor be handcuffed or kept with adult detainees?
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This FAQ covers the specifics — our complete guide covers everything about police stops, arrest and detention in one place.
Open the Full GuideAdhikar is an independent citizen-awareness platform, not a Government of India website and doesn't take a position on the NEET protests themselves — this is general information about rights every student already has, not legal advice for a specific situation. For that, contact a lawyer or the free legal aid helpline (15100).