The Supreme Court has granted interim bail to Jay Chandrahas Gharat, accused in a fatal road accident, after his father agreed to compensate ₹1 crore for the orphaned children of the deceased couple. The decision came as the court recognized the family’s effort toward restorative justice.
A bench comprising Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice Aravind Kumar considered the father’s commitment to support the children who lost both parents in the tragic April 2024 crash. The accident occurred when Gharat, driving a Creta, collided with a scooter carrying the couple and their daughter. The parents died instantly, while the child survived with serious injuries.
Compensation Plan and Court Oversight
The petitioner’s father assured the court that he would personally oversee the children’s medical treatment and well-being. His commitment included:
- An immediate ₹50 lakh fixed deposit in a nationalized bank.
- Another ₹50 lakh to be deposited in two installments.
- A monthly ₹25,000 support payment for six months toward the children’s education and living expenses.
To ensure accountability, the Supreme Court interacted with the children’s uncle, confirming they were under his care and attending Saint Mary’s Convent High School, Uran. The uncle was already covering their school fees and other expenses.
Additionally, the court directed police and the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to monitor the children’s education, health, and overall well-being, with mandatory monthly reports.
Legal Battle Continues
Gharat had been denied bail earlier by the Bombay High Court and faced multiple charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, rash driving, and failure to assist the victims. His case remains under trial, with the next hearing set for May 23.
Despite granting bail, the Supreme Court clarified that the ₹1 crore compensation would remain solely for the children’s welfare, regardless of the case’s final outcome.
