The boy had sought release from custody to appear for his board examinations for standard X. He has been lodged at the Dongri remand home since October last year.

According to provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act, minors cannot be lodged in regular jails and are also tried by a special court.

However, a small relief was granted to the boy after the court directed the jail authorities to allow him to prepare for his exams and appear for his boards next month, confirmed special public prosecutor R V Kini.

According to the victim’s father, last year when the boy, who was studying in a boarding school, had come to Mumbai on his Christmas vacations, he had raped his 8-year-old daughter after offering her a chocolate. After the father filed a complaint the boy was arrested and sent to juvenile home.