Delhi Court Charges Former DPS Student Samarth for Rash Driving Incident

A Delhi court has charged Samarth, a former student of Delhi Public School, with culpable homicide not amounting to murder and other offenses. The charges stem from a 2017 incident where Samarth, then 18, allegedly drove a car without a license, hitting four people sleeping on a footpath near Kashmiri Gate. Two people died, and two others were injured. The court noted that Samarth attempted to flee the scene, further endangering the victims.

Incident Details

On April 20, 2017, Samarth, along with friends Bhavaya Rajpal and Ujjwal Goel, was in a car owned by Ujjwal's father. The friends were reportedly under the influence of alcohol. Samarth allegedly drove the car rashly, overtaking a police constable and climbing onto a footpath, injuring four people. One victim was dragged by the car, leading to his death.

Court's Observations

Special Judge Ekta Gauba Mann framed charges against Samarth, citing sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Motor Vehicle Act. The court emphasized that Samarth's actions went beyond rash and negligent behavior, as he knowingly endangered lives. The court dismissed Samarth's application for discharge, stating that his defense could only be considered during the trial.

The court also referenced Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement but allows for reasonable restrictions in the public interest.