Introduction:
The Bombay High Court denied anticipatory bail to Ritu Maloo, a Human Resource consultant from Nagpur, charged with drunk-driving and causing the deaths of two individuals.
Background:
Ritu Maloo, driving her Mercedes in an inebriated state, collided with a scooter near Ram Jhula bridge in Nagpur, resulting in the deaths of two individuals in February. Initially booked for causing death by negligence, rash and negligent driving, and causing hurt by a rash act, the charges were later escalated to culpable homicide not amounting to murder under Section 304 of the Indian Penal Code.
Key Points:
- Incident: Maloo, under the influence of alcohol, drove her Mercedes and fatally hit a scooter.
- Bail Status: Initially granted bail, Maloo sought anticipatory bail after the police sought to rearrest her.
- Court’s Observation: The court emphasized the seriousness of driving under the influence and noted Maloo’s lack of remorse.
- Evidence: CCTV footage showed Maloo covering 3.8 kilometers within three to five minutes, supporting the charge of reckless driving.
Legal Provisions:
| Section | Particulars |
| Section 304 IPC | Culpable homicide not amounting to murder, applicable when a person causes death with the knowledge that their act is likely to cause death. |
| Section 279 IPC | Rash driving or riding on a public way, applicable when a person drives any vehicle in a manner that endangers human life. |
| Section 338 IPC | Causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others, applicable when grievous hurt is caused to any person by a rash or negligent act. |
| Section 337 IPC | Causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others, applicable when hurt is caused by a rash or negligent act. |
Impact:
The court’s decision underscores the legal system’s strict stance against drunk-driving and its consequences, emphasizing that such actions can lead to severe penalties including charges of culpable homicide.
Conclusion:
The Bombay High Court’s refusal to grant anticipatory bail to Ritu Maloo highlights the gravity of drunk-driving offenses and the legal repercussions that follow, reinforcing the principle that driving under the influence is a serious crime with predictable and severe consequences.
SOURCE – INDIA TODAY
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