📷 Image Credits: NDTV
The Bombay High Court has ruled that the teen accused in the Pune Porsche accident case must be released from detention immediately. The 17-year-old boy’s late-night dash in a Porsche on May 19, 2024, left two 24-year-old engineers dead and sparked nationwide outrage. The court emphasized that the Juvenile Justice Board’s order remanding him in an observation home was illegal and passed without jurisdiction. It clarified that despite the seriousness of the crime, he must be treated as any child in conflict with the law. The court highlighted that rehabilitation is the primary objective, and the teenager is under rehabilitation, having been referred to a psychologist for ongoing sessions.
The ruling came in response to a habeas corpus petition by the boy’s aunt, seeking his release from a government observation home. The teen will now be under the care and custody of his aunt, as his parents and grandfather are arrested for an attempted cover-up. The lawyer representing the boy’s aunt emphasized that as per Section 12 of the Juvenile Justice Act, a child in conflict with the law cannot be detained under such circumstances. The court also mentioned that the teenager’s age, being under 18, needs to be considered in the legal proceedings.
The tragic accident occurred when the speeding Porsche driven by the teen collided with a bike, resulting in the deaths of two engineers. Investigations revealed that the teen was heavily drunk at the time of the accident, further supported by CCTV footage showing him drinking before the crash. The initial bail conditions set by the Juvenile Justice Board had sparked public outrage, leading to modifications in the order and sending the teenager to an observation home.
The police investigation uncovered disturbing attempts by the family to conceal the matter, including switching blood samples and threatening the family driver to take the blame. The boy’s paternal aunt challenged the detention in the Bombay High Court, citing violations of the Juvenile Justice Act. The court acknowledged the trauma experienced by all involved in the incident, while questioning the procedures followed in the remand of the teenager.
The high court’s decision to release the teen accused has raised questions about the legal processes and the balance between justice and rehabilitation. The public’s response to this ruling and its implications for similar cases remain a topic of debate and concern. The Bombay High Court’s intervention highlights the complexity of juvenile justice and the need for a thorough review of existing legal frameworks to ensure fair and appropriate treatment of minors involved in serious offenses.
