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Accidental Death: Teen Cleared of Homicide Charge
6 Apr
Summary
- Bombay High Court deemed a fatal car crash accidental.
- Teen driver lacked knowledge that his actions could cause death.
- More serious culpable homicide charge was dropped by the court.
The Bombay High Court recently affirmed a lower court's decision to drop a culpable homicide charge against a teenager involved in a fatal car crash. On May 12, 2020, Shourya Jain, then 19, was driving when his car collided with a stationary bus, leading to the death of his 18-year-old friend who was a passenger.
Initially booked under Section 304(II) of the Indian Penal Code for an act done with knowledge that it might cause death, Jain was later relieved of this more serious charge. The court determined that Jain did not possess the requisite knowledge that his actions were likely to result in a fatality.
Judges noted the incident was likely the result of rash or negligent driving, not an intentional act or one performed with an awareness of potential death. Jain, who also sustained injuries, now faces charges for driving without a license and causing death through negligence.
