‘Bail in 15 hours’: Pune Porsche crash victim’s parents seek change in juvenile law

Two years after a Porsche crash in Pune claimed the lives of techies Aneesh Awadhiya and Ashwini Koshta, the victims' parents are demanding a reduction in the juvenile age to 16. Om and Savita Awadhiya, hailing from Umaria, Madhya Pradesh, addressed a press conference in Pune to voice their concerns. They recounted instances where minors as young as 16 have driven intoxicated and caused accidents, resulting in tragic losses.

One such case involved a minor who allegedly crashed into a couple on a scooter in Mumbai. In Nagpur, a 17-year-old allegedly sped recklessly, causing a fatal collision that resulted in two friends' deaths and injuries to the driver himself. The Awadhiyas also pointed out that easy access to expensive cars by minors emboldens them, believing their parents will intervene if they get into trouble.

This perceived lack of legal consequence contributes to a sense of impunity among young offenders. The current Juvenile Justice Act classifies individuals under 18 as minors, focusing on rehabilitation rather than severe punishment. However, the Awadhiyas argue that this leniency can be exploited by criminal gangs recruiting minors for illicit activities due to their protected status under the law.

The Pune case remains unresolved, with the trial having yet to commence despite the lapse of two years. The Awadhiyas expressed frustration over the delays, especially after Maharashtra's former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had assured them that the case would be handled swiftly in a fast-track court. Suresh Koshta, Ashwini's father, lamented the ongoing delay, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice for the victims' families.

The Supreme Court's recent bail order for the accused has not moved the trial forward, causing further anguish for the families seeking closure.