Pune Porsche Accident| Bombay High Court refuses immediate relief of releasing minor’s aunt from custody

Pune Porsche Accident| Bombay High Court refuses immediate relief of releasing minor’s aunt from custody

In a recent development, the Bombay High Court has denied immediate relief in the habeas corpus petition filed by the aunt of a minor accused in the Pune Porsche accident case. The case has been postponed to June 20, 2024, with the court emphasizing that since the minor has been in the observation home since May 21, 2024, there is no urgent need for an interim order.

Also Read: NEET-UG 2024 : CEO of Physics Wallah Approaches Supreme Court Challenging The Granting of Grace Marks by NTA

Background of the Case

The case revolves around a tragic incident on May 19, 2024, when a Porsche, allegedly driven by a minor, collided with a motorcycle in Pune’s Kalyani Nagar area, resulting in the death of two individuals. The minor, the son of a prominent builder, was reportedly under the influence of alcohol, having consumed drinks at a pub prior to the accident. Initially charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Act for reckless driving and causing death by negligence, the minor was granted bail on the same day. However, he was subsequently placed in an observation home.

Also Read: Supreme Court Issues Notice to NTA on Petition Seeking Cancellation of NEET 2024 Due to Alleged Paper Leak

Legal Proceedings and Arguments

The habeas corpus petition, filed by the minor’s aunt through advocate Swapnil Ambure, challenges the legality of the minor’s detention by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB). The petition asserts that the minor was unlawfully taken from his grandfather’s custody, who was initially responsible for him post-bail, and placed in an observation home without proper review of prior orders.

Also Read: Punjab and Haryana High Court conditionally quashed the FIR against Elvish Yadav for assault

The petition highlights several key points:

• The minor’s removal from his grandfather’s custody and placement in an observation home was conducted by recalling the earlier order from May 19, 2024, without proper legal scrutiny.
• No application under Section 439(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) was filed by the investigating agency on May 22, 2024.
• The subsequent orders extending the minor’s stay in the observation home on May 22, 2024, and June 4, 2024, were claimed to lack legal basis.

Senior advocate Abad Ponda, representing the petitioner, argued for the minor’s immediate release and sought time to amend the petition to include the JJB’s June 13, 2024, order.

Also Read: If An 8-Year-Old Child is Capable of Giving Logical Answers, There is No Reason to Reject His Testimony: Madhya Pradesh High Court in a Murder Case

Court’s Observations and Decision

The division bench of Justice Bharati Dangre and Justice Manjusha Deshpande noted that the minor had been in an observation home since May 21, 2024, and thus, there was no immediate requirement for interim relief. The court granted the petitioner time to amend the petition.

The petition also raised concerns about the influence of public sentiment and media coverage on judicial proceedings. It claimed that the special judge might have been swayed by media pressure, impacting the fairness of the trial.

Also Read: NEET-UG 2024 Paper Leak: Another petition filed in Supreme Court demanding re-conduct of NEET exam over alleged paper leak

The bench acknowledged the significant public and media interest in the case, noting the difficulties faced by the minor and his family due to widespread coverage and social media commentary. The court emphasized the necessity of maintaining legal processes and preventing undue media influence on judicial proceedings.

Future Implications

This case underscores the delicate balance between public interest, media influence, and the integrity of the judicial process. As it progresses, the Bombay High Court’s decision will likely have significant implications for the handling of juvenile justice cases, particularly those involving high-profile incidents and media scrutiny.

For more detailed updates on this case and other legal news, stay tuned to our blog.

Conclusion

The Bombay High Court’s decision to deny immediate relief in the Pune Porsche accident case highlights the complexities of juvenile justice and the impact of media on legal proceedings. As the case unfolds, it will be crucial to observe how the legal system navigates these challenges to ensure a fair trial.