Released in 15 Hours: Justice Mocked

You might be living under a rock if the title eluded you, or perhaps you eschew newspapers and television.

    For the uninitiated, Pune City has recently garnered attention for all the wrong reasons. A 17-year-old boy, under the influence of alcohol, catastrophically collided with his Porsche, resulting in the tragic deaths of two Pune-based tech professionals. 

    The crux of the issue lies in the court's bewildering and, frankly, ludicrous directives for the boy's punishment. The court mandated that the boy pen a 300-word essay on accidents, assist the traffic police department for 15 days, and undergo counseling for his alcohol consumption. Yet, most egregiously, the boy was released on bail within a mere 15 hours, ostensibly due to his father's prominent status as a well-known builder. This decision has thrust the judiciary and the Juvenile Justice Board into the glaring spotlight of public scrutiny, portraying the legal system as farcical.

    In response to the public outcry on social media, thanks to the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis intervened, vehemently condemning the Board's decision regarding such a grave offense. While I refrain from politicizing the issue by attributing blame to any specific politician, this ruling by the Juvenile Board undeniably casts a pall over the credibility of those within its ranks. It sends a resounding message to the public and delivers a stinging rebuke:

"If you are powerful, then the judiciary is a joke."