Bombay High Court Grants Bail to Minor in Pune Porsche Incident
Pune, 25th June 2024: The Bombay High Court has granted bail to the minor involved in the Pune Kalyani Nagar Porsche incident, where two people were killed. The minor, initially bailed by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), was re-arrested by Pune Police, which the High Court deemed illegal. The incident, occurring on 19th May, involved a 17-year-old boy under the influence of alcohol, who crashed his speeding Porsche into a two-wheeler, resulting in the instant death of two individuals.
The Juvenile Justice Board initially granted the minor bail within 15 hours of the incident, stipulating he complete simple disciplinary actions like writing a 300-word essay. National criticism ensued, leading the JJB to revoke his bail and place him in a Remand Home for Boys. The minor’s aunt, Pooja Jain, filed a habeas corpus petition in the Bombay High Court, challenging the minor’s re-arrest. The court, led by Justice Bharti Dangre and Justice Manjusha Deshpande, ruled in favor of the petition, asserting the arrest was illegal as it contravened the JJB’s initial bail decision.
The court’s order invalidated previous JJB orders detaining the minor, directing his immediate release into his aunt’s custody. At 17 years and 8 months old, the boy is considered a minor. Concerns about his well-being and safety in the remand home were raised, further justifying his release. The minor’s parents and grandparents, also arrested following the incident, left no immediate family to advocate for him, prompting his aunt to intervene.
Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare commented on the bail, emphasizing the need for scrutinizing documents and evidence presented to the court. She highlighted potential errors and the roles of the public prosecutor and investigating officer in ensuring justice.
The lawyer for the minor stated, “The orders of the JJB detaining the child are invalid and cancelled. Therefore, the child must be released immediately.” The ruling did not address police actions directly, focusing on the legal missteps in the arrest.
