STATE Vs. JAHLU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS is a reference under Section 438, Criminal P. C. by the District Magistrate of Chamba recommending that the period of detention of the respondent Jahlu in the Reformatory School be extended from 3 to 4 years. The respondent was notified but is absent. The learned Government Advocate has supported the reference.

(2.) IT appears that Jahlu was convicted on 25 11 1950 under Section 457, read with Section 75, I. P. C., and sentenced to three years' rigorous imprisonment by the then District Magistrate, Chamba. 'The respondent being a youthful offender, the District Magistrate in exercise of powers under Section 29B, Criminal P. C., directed under Section 8, Reformatory Schools Act, 1897, that instead of undergoing the sentence he shall be sent to a Reformatory School for the said period of three years. The age of the youthful offender was found by the District Magistrate to be 14 years.

(3.) THE relevant rules framed by the Punjab Government under Section 8 (3) (b), Reformatory Schools Act, and adopted by our Government, regulating the periods for which youthful offenders may be sent to such schools according to their ages or other considerations are Rules 3 to 5, which are to the following effect: