In a major development in the Pune Porsche car accident case, the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) has ruled that the 17-year-old accused will be tried as a juvenile, rejecting the Pune Police's plea to prosecute him as an adult. This decision ensures that the case will now proceed under the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act.

Background of the Case

The tragic incident occurred on May 19, 2024, in Pune, when a speeding Porsche car allegedly driven by the minor killed two IT professionals, Aneesh Avadhiya and Ashwini Costa. The accident sparked nationwide outrage, especially after the accused was granted bail within hours, with unusually lenient conditions.

Controversy Over Bail and Sentencing

The bail conditions, which required the juvenile to write a 300-word essay on road safety, were widely criticized as too lenient for an offense involving loss of life. Facing public pressure, authorities sent the accused to a juvenile correctional facility three days later.

However, on June 25, 2024, the Bombay High Court overturned that decision, calling the move to send him to a reformatory "illegal" and emphasizing the need to strictly follow juvenile justice laws.

Police Argument Rejected

Pune Police had strongly argued that the teen should be tried as an adult due to the seriousness of the offense, which included not only causing deaths through reckless driving but also tampering with evidence. However, the Juvenile Justice Board ruled that the accused would remain under the juvenile legal framework.

What’s Next?

With this ruling, the accused will now be tried as a minor, meaning the maximum punishment—if convicted—would involve reformative measures, not adult imprisonment. The next legal proceedings will follow juvenile law protocols, which focus on rehabilitation over punishment.