Juvenile Justice Board Shake-Up Over Porsche Crash Bail Scandal

The Maharashtra government has dismissed two Juvenile Justice Board members, L N Danwade and Kavita Thorat, for procedural lapses related to granting bail to a juvenile in a fatal Porsche crash case. A probe by the Women and Child Development Department recommended action due to misuse of powers and non-compliance with norms.

The Maharashtra government has taken decisive action by terminating the services of two members of the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) implicated in the controversial bail granted to a juvenile accused in the fatal Pune Porsche crash. State officials confirmed the dismissals on Thursday.

A state Women and Child Development Department probe panel had recommended action against L N Danwade and Kavita Thorat, citing significant procedural lapses, misconduct, and failure to adhere to official norms. This recommendation stemmed from an inquiry concerning the bail of a 17-year-old accused, which had sparked national outrage.

The investigation report, prepared in July, pointed to the misuse of powers afforded under the Juvenile Justice Act. On October 8, an official notification affirmed the termination, reflecting serious non-compliance by the former JJB members. Pune's tragic incident highlighted glaring procedural oversights, leading to the panel's strong recommendations for accountability.

(With inputs from agencies.)