The Supreme Court, in X v. State of Bihar & Anr., clarified the interpretation of Section 101(2) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. The case concerned a juvenile accused of a heinous offence who was between 16 and 18 years of age. The Juvenile Justice Board had conducted a preliminary assessment to determine whether the child possessed the mental and physical capacity to understand the consequences of the alleged offence. The Court examined whether a court hearing an appeal against the JJB’s order was mandatorily required to obtain assistance from a child psychologist or psycho-social expert. The Supreme Court held that such assistance is not mandatory in every appellate proceeding. It also emphasized that a preliminary assessment is not equivalent to a criminal trial and must focus on the child’s capacity, circumstances and rehabilitation prospects. The judgment stresses a balanced approach between child protection and accountability in serious offences.