In a pivotal decision today, the Bombay High Court mandated the release of the juvenile involved in the tragic Pune Porsche car accident, overturning previous custody orders deemed unlawful. Justices Bharati Dangre and Manjusha Deshpande, after careful consideration, directed that the teenager be placed under the care of his paternal aunt, stressing the need for rehabilitation and psychological support already underway.
The case, which saw the minor son of a prominent Pune builder involved in a fatal collision that claimed two lives, sparked legal debate over the handling of juvenile offenders in serious traffic incidents. The court’s decision came amidst allegations from the minor’s family that his detention at an observation home lacked legal basis and fairness.
Senior advocates sparred in court, with the petitioner’s counsel arguing vehemently for the immediate release of the juvenile on grounds of procedural irregularities and the Supreme Court’s precedence on personal liberty. Conversely, the prosecution contended that legal avenues had not been exhausted and questioned the jurisdiction of a habeas corpus plea in this context.
The contentious issue revolved around whether the juvenile, already granted bail, should have been confined to an observation home instead of his family’s custody. This raised pertinent questions about the judicial oversight and procedural fairness in handling juvenile cases involving serious criminal charges.
The court’s decision marks a significant juncture in juvenile justice, highlighting the delicate balance between rehabilitation and accountability in cases with tragic consequences.
