In a contentious ruling, the Bombay High Court’s decision to release the minor accused in the infamous Pune Porsche crash case has drawn strong reactions from the victims’ families. The move has particularly distressed the mother of one of the deceased, who now pleads with the judiciary to understand the pain of a grieving parent.
Ashwini Koshta and her friend Anish Awadhiya, both IT professionals from Madhya Pradesh, were tragically killed in the early hours of May 19 when the luxury car, allegedly driven by the teen suspected of driving under the influence, collided with their two-wheeler in the Kalyani Nagar area of Pune.
“I was shocked to see the news. I have full faith in the judiciary; they must have decided carefully. However, I request the judges to understand the pain of a mother who has lost her daughter,”
said Mamta Koshta, the mother of the late Ashwini Koshta.
Mamta further emphasized that the punishment should be given accordingly so the public can trust the judicial system. “Many girls live there, and such incidents should not recur. Those who commit such crimes should learn a lesson. I only request the judges to make the right decision,” she told reporters.
In delivering their verdict, the Bombay High Court justices Bharati Dangre and Manjusha Deshpande highlighted the importance of adhering to the Juvenile Justice Act, stating that the boy, being under 18, must be treated as a child in conflict with the law, separate from an adult, despite the gravity of the crime.
The court deemed the Juvenile Justice Board’s order to remand the teenager to an observation home as illegal and beyond its jurisdiction, emphasizing that rehabilitation remains the “primary objective” and that the child’s age needs to be considered.
The ruling followed a habeas corpus petition filed by the boy’s aunt, who sought his release from the government observation home. With his parents and grandfather arrested for attempting a cover-up, the teen will now be under his aunt’s care.
The Bombay High Court’s decision has undoubtedly stirred strong emotions, particularly from the bereaved mother, who continues to plead for justice and accountability in this heart-wrenching case.
