JUDGMENT 1. 1. The learned Addl. Sessions Judge has rejected the application stating that the age of the petitioner has been given out in the application as 15 years. He does not mention in his order as to whether this has been conceded to by the Public Prosecutor or not. It is essential in these circumstances that the learned Judge satisfy himself about the correctness of the age and then also look into the merits to see whether the person requires the protection of the Court or not. Section 18 of the Juvenile Justice Act is operative only when the present accused is arrested or detained or appeared or is brought before the Juvenile Court but does not envisage the situation like anticipatory bail. In my opinion, a juvenile cannot be placed at a disadvantageous position than an adult who is accused of an offence and therefore, he is not precluded to (sic) invoke the jurisdiction of the Court under Section 438 Cr. P.C. I am informed that the examinations of the petitioner are in progress as he is the student of 9th class. I would have remanded the case but since the examinations of the accused are in progress, I deem it proper to enlarge him on bail. 2. In this view of the matter, I accordingly accept the bail application and direct that in the event of the arrest, the petitioner Sunder shall not be arrested provided his natural guardian executes a personal bond in the sum of Rs. 2 000/- (Two thousand rupees) with one surety in the like amount to the satisfaction of the SHO/AO, IO in F.I.R. No. 39/88 registered at Police Station Mundawar district Alwar, on the following conditions: (a) that the petitioner shall make himself available for interrogation by a police officer as and when required; (b) that the petitioner shall not directly, or indirectly, make any inducement, threat or promise to any person acquainted with the facts of the case, so as to dissaude him from disclosing such facts to the court, or any police officer; and (c) that the petitioner shall not leave India without the previous permission of the Court. Application accepted. *******