The issue came to light following an Order issued on December 12, 2023, allowing the Investigating Agency to file the charge sheet at their earliest convenience. However, when the concerned officer attempted to submit the charge sheet, the court clerk, Mr. Sudhir Pawar, refused to accept it, insisting on the juvenile's presence. This led to a subsequent court Order on April 8, 2024, explicitly stating that the charge sheet could be filed without the juvenile being present.

Despite these clear instructions, when the matter was brought before the court on June 11, 2024, the learned Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) revealed disturbing news: the Investigating Officer was still being obstructed from filing the charge sheet. The court promptly ordered the concerned officer to submit an affidavit detailing the situation.

On June 12, 2024, Mr. Suraj Raut, a Police Sub-Inspector, provided a detailed affidavit that laid bare the disregard shown by the Juvenile Court staff for the court's orders. The affidavit indicated that Mr. Pawar's actions were not only dismissive of the court's authority but also indicative of a broader failure within the court's administration. The Presiding Officer, Smt. Seema Ghute, was similarly criticized for either ignoring the directives or failing to ensure compliance within her court.

The court did not take these findings lightly. It condemned the behavior of Mr. Pawar and the inefficiencies within the Juvenile Court, stating that such conduct disrupts the administration of criminal justice. Recognizing the need for accountability, the court called for a thorough inquiry into the actions of Mr. Pawar and the operational efficacy of the Juvenile Court as a whole.

To this end, the Principal District Judge of Thane has been directed to conduct an inquiry, examining the affidavit and the records of the pending case. The inquiry is expected to be completed within a week, with a report due by June 26, 2024.

The court has instructed the Registrar (Judicial-I) to communicate this Order to the Principal District Judge promptly. Moreover, the Principal District Judge has been granted the authority to suspend Mr. Pawar during the inquiry if deemed necessary, highlighting the court's commitment to maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that judicial proceedings are not undermined.

The next hearing is scheduled for June 26, 2024, with the expectation that all parties involved will act in accordance with the court's directives. The court's strong stance serves as a reminder of the importance of adherence to judicial orders and the necessity of a functioning, accountable court system.