The Juvenile Justice Board in Pune is currently deliberating on whether the 17-year-old boy accused in the high-profile Porsche hit-and-run case should be tried as an adult.
The prosecution has strongly argued that the crime was “heinous” in nature, warranting stricter legal consequences.
The incident, which occurred on May 19, 2023, in Pune’s Kalyani Nagar area, led to the deaths of two young IT professionals, Anish Awadhiya (24) and Ashwini Costa (24), who were riding a motorcycle when the speeding Porsche, allegedly driven by the intoxicated minor, rammed into them.
Prosecution’s Argument For Adult Trial
The prosecution has emphasized that the severity of the crime justifies treating the accused as an adult under Section 15 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
Key points
Nature of the Crime: The act was not accidental but a result of reckless and drunken driving, leading to fatalities.
Public Outrage: The case sparked nationwide anger, with demands for accountability, especially given the minor’s privileged background.
Legal Precedents: Past cases involving serious offenses by juveniles have seen courts allowing trials as adults.
Delayed Decision By Juvenile Justice Board
Despite the police filing the plea over a year ago, the JJB has yet to make a final decision. Legal experts suggest that the delay could be due to:
Psychological Assessments: The board may be evaluating the minor’s mental maturity and understanding of the crime.
Legal Formalities: Procedural requirements, including witness statements and forensic reports, might be causing the hold-up.
Victims’ Families Await Justice
The families of Anish Awadhiya and Ashwini Costa have been waiting for justice, expressing frustration over the slow legal process. Public pressure has mounted for stricter punishment, given the gravity of the offense.
Once the JJB decides whether the accused will be tried as an adult, the case will proceed accordingly:
If approved, the trial will shift to a regular sessions court, where the accused could face stricter sentencing.
If rejected, the case will remain under the juvenile justice system, which prescribes a maximum of three years in a correctional facility.
The case continues to be closely watched, as it raises critical questions about juvenile justice reforms and accountability in hit-and-run incidents.
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