Supreme Court Slams "ATM Parenting" While Granting Bail in Pune Porsche Crash Case

Giving car keys to minors leads to disasters

While granting relief to three individuals accused in the high-profile Pune Porsche crash case, the Supreme Court of India delivered a scathing observation on modern parenting. A bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan noted that parental guidance is increasingly being replaced by "money, ATM cards, and mobile phones," often leading to tragic consequences.

Monday’s hearing resulted in bail for Aditya Avinash Sood, Ashish Satish Mittal, and Amar Santosh Gaikwad. The court noted that these three accused had already spent nearly 18 months behind bars. The bench emphasised that their continued detention would prejudice their rights, especially since the maximum punishment for some related charges is limited to three years.

However, the legal relief came with a stern warning for society. Justice Nagarathna highlighted a growing trend where parents fail to control their children. She remarked that handing over keys to expensive vehicles and funding a "gala time" for minors reflects a deep failure in supervision. The court stated that parents must be held accountable when they allow minors to consume alcohol and drive.

Background of the Tragedy

The Pune Porsche crash case shocked the nation on May 19, 2024, when a luxury car, allegedly driven by an intoxicated 17-year-old, killed two young software engineers in the Kalyani Nagar area. The investigation later revealed a web of alleged cover-ups, including the swapping of blood samples to hide alcohol traces.

During the hearing, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, opposing the bail, argued that the accused had conspired to undermine the criminal justice system. He described the events as a "classic case" of wealthy individuals attempting to manipulate evidence and use drivers to take the blame.

Despite these serious allegations, the Supreme Court ruled that liberty must be balanced against the duration of the trial. The bench directed the accused to be produced before the trial court to set bail conditions, warning that any violation would lead to immediate cancellation of their release.

The court concluded by flagging the wider social issue, observing that parents simply do not have time to talk to their children anymore, substituting dialogue with cash and gadgets.

Image Source: File photo