Court Remands Three Accused in Luxury Car Accident Case; Directs Pub Operators to Set Liquor Limits

GG News Bureau
Pune, 22nd May. A local court on Tuesday remanded three accused, including an owner and two managers of different restaurants, into police custody until May 24. The court also issued a directive to pub and bar operators to establish a limit on the amount of alcohol served to customers, considering their responsibility when patrons drive home afterward.

The case revolves around a tragic car accident allegedly involving a 17-year-old boy, which resulted in the loss of two lives in the early hours of Sunday. The prosecution argued for the seven-day custody of the accused, citing that the establishments served liquor to the underage boy and his friends without verifying their age.

Expressing deep concern over the fatalities, Additional Sessions Court Judge S P Ponkshe underscored the need for accountability on the part of pub and bar operators. She emphasized the importance of establishing limits on alcohol consumption and urged establishments to make arrangements for patrons who may be heavily intoxicated to stay on-site rather than drive home.

According to police reports, the accused juvenile and his companions visited two establishments between 9:30 pm and 1 am, where they allegedly consumed alcohol.

During the court proceedings, the defence counsel, Adv S K Jain, argued against police custody, citing section 77 of the Juvenile Justice Act as non-cognisable. He contended that since the investigation had already been conducted, there was no need for further custody. However, the prosecution insisted on the necessity of custody to continue the investigation.