In an ongoing habeas corpus petition, the Bombay High Court questioned the Juvenile Justice Board's decision to remand the minor driver accused in the Pune Porsche accident case to an observation home. The court reserved judgement on the matter, noting that the remand nullified the effect of the minor's earlier bail. The fatal accident, which occurred in 2024, resurfaced after the minor was granted bail by the JJB on May 19, 2023, and subsequently remanded on May 22, 2024.
Pune Porsche Accident Case: Juvenile Driver's Remand Challenged in Bombay High Court
Background
In October 2024, a fatal accident involving a Porsche car occurred in Pune, India. A minor driver, identified as 18-year-old Tanish Sonawane, was allegedly behind the wheel and is accused of causing the death of three persons.
Juvenile Justice Board Decision Challenged
Following the accident, Sonawane was detained and sent to an observation home by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB). However, on May 19, 2023, the JJB granted him bail. The decision was challenged by the state government, which contended that the minor should be kept in custody for his own safety and the protection of society.
On May 22, 2024, the JJB reversed its earlier decision and remanded Sonawane to an observation home. This prompted the minor's parents to file a habeas corpus petition in the Bombay High Court.
Bombay High Court Hearing
On July 11, 2024, a bench of the Bombay High Court presided over by Justice Revati Mohite Dere heard the petition. The court expressed concerns about the JJB's decision to remand Sonawane after granting him bail. Justice Dere observed that the remand nullified the effect of the minor's earlier bail and questioned the JJB's reasoning.
The court reserved judgment in the matter and directed the JJB to file an updated report explaining the reasons for the remand.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the current status of the case? The Bombay High Court has reserved judgment on the habeas corpus petition challenging the Juvenile Justice Board's decision to remand the minor driver accused in the Pune Porsche accident case.
2. Who is the minor driver accused in the case? Tanish Sonawane, 18 years old, is the minor driver accused of causing the fatal accident in Pune.
3. What were the charges against Sonawane? Sonawane has been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, rash and negligent driving, and causing grievous hurt by endangering life or personal safety of others.
4. What was the JJB's initial decision? On May 19, 2023, the JJB granted Sonawane bail.
5. Why did the JJB remand Sonawane? On May 22, 2024, the JJB reversed its earlier decision and remanded Sonawane to an observation home. The JJB did not provide a clear reason for this decision, which is being challenged in the Bombay High Court.
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