Public outrage and protests over the attack pushed parliament to pass a new law toughening sentences for rapists, while a round of public soul searching sought to explain the rising tide of violence against women.
The judgement on the juvenile was held up after politician Subramanian Swamy, an opposition leader, filed a petition in the Supreme Court arguing that suspects aged over 16 who are accused of serious offences should be tried in adult courts.
“The juvenile board can go ahead with its proceedings and pass orders accordingly,” Chief Justice P. Sathasivam said.
Swamy said he was “completely satisfied” with the judgement of the Supreme Court. It agreed to hear his petition into a review of the juvenile law in general, but not specifically on the juvenile’s case.
The juvenile, a runaway who reportedly left home aged 11, can be sent to a correctional facility for a maximum three year term if found guilty. The term will take into account the time he has already spent in custody.
He was 17 at the time of the crime but is now 18.
One of the suspects originally arrested for the crime the driver of the bus on which the victim was brutally assaulted died while in jail from a suspected suicide in March.
The four adults could face the death penalty if convicted. All the accused have pleaded not guilty.
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