'Young Offenders Deserve Chance To Reform': Bombay HC Quashes FIR Against Man Who Brandished Sword At 19
Mumbai, August 28, 2026: Observing that young offenders should be given an opportunity to reform and rehabilitate themselves, the Bombay High Court has quashed a 2015 FIR against a man who had allegedly brandished a sword during a confrontation with a mob when he was 19 years old. Justice Milind Jadhav, while allowing the man’s plea, said punishment should aim at a “reformative result rather than…
Mumbai's Bombay High Court has ruled that young offenders should have a chance to reform and rehabilitate, dismissing a 2015 FIR against an individual who allegedly brandished a sword during a confrontation when he was just 19 years old. Justice Milind Jadhav's decision emphasizes that punishment should focus on reform rather than being punitive in nature.
The incident occurred on June 6, 2014, at a Wadala chawl, following a dispute between two families. Around 15-20 members of the Kharat family, along with the complainant, entered the Kamble family's room where the accused and two women were present. The accused, who was a Class XII student at the time, brandished a sword he had received as an award to deter the mob.
No one was injured during the incident. The court considered the reformative approach, acknowledging that the man had matured, become educated, and received an overseas job offer. Justice Jadhav stated that if the applicant were to languish in jail or face further legal proceedings, he might lose faith in society and potentially reoffend.
The court accordingly quashed the FIR and directed the police to consider the order for issuing a police clearance certificate for employment. The applicant must pay a Rs 10,000 fee to the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa Advocate Aid Fund.
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