Bombay High Court Orders Release of 17-Year-Old in Pune Car Accident Case

The Bombay High Court has directed the immediate release of a 17-year-old boy from an observation home. The boy was held for 36 days following a car accident in Pune. The court found the remand orders to be illegal and stressed the importance of following juvenile justice laws.

Illegal Remand Orders

The court criticized the Juvenile Justice Board’s remand orders as illegal and without jurisdiction. The police were also reprimanded for their handling of the situation, noting that they had succumbed to public pressure.

Emphasis on Justice

Justices Bharati Dangre and Manjusha Deshpande emphasized that justice must be prioritized above all else, regardless of public uproar. They stated that the Rule of Law must prevail in every situation.

Rehabilitation and Supervision

The court ordered that the boy continue his rehabilitation and therapy sessions while staying at home or a safe place. His paternal aunt will supervise him to ensure compliance with the court’s directions.

Family Involvement

On June 21, the Pune district court granted bail to Vishal Agarwal, the boy’s father, who was booked under Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act. However, the boy’s 77-year-old grandfather remains in judicial custody for allegedly forcing the driver to take responsibility for the accident.