In a notable development, the Gujarat High Court granted a four-day interim bail to Tathya Patel, the primary accused in the tragic ISKCON flyover accident that occurred in July 2023, resulting in the loss of nine lives. The court's decision, issued on May 24, 2025, was to facilitate Patel's presence during his mother's scheduled surgery. This temporary release, from the morning of May 26 to the evening of May 29, was subject to strict conditions, including a police escort and a directive for Patel to surrender immediately if the surgery did not proceed as planned.
The ISKCON flyover tragedy unfolded when Patel allegedly drove his luxury Jaguar car at an excessive speed of over 140 km/h on the SG Highway in Ahmedabad. The vehicle collided with a group of pedestrians, leading to nine fatalities and injuries to several others. The incident drew widespread attention due to its severity and the number of casualties involved. Patel, who was arrested shortly after the accident, has been in custody since July 2023, facing charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, rash driving, and causing hurt.
Initially, Patel's counsel sought a seven-day temporary bail to allow him to attend to his ailing mother, who was scheduled for surgery on May 12, 2025. The High Court granted this request, but the surgery was postponed due to complications in his mother's health. Subsequently, Patel applied for an extension of his temporary bail, citing the rescheduled surgery and his role as the primary caregiver. The state government opposed the extension, arguing that the surgery was scheduled at the mother's convenience and highlighting Patel's prior delay in surrendering after the initial bail period. Despite the opposition, the court decided to grant a four-day extension, emphasizing the need for Patel to surrender immediately if the surgery did not take place as scheduled.
The court's decision underscores the judiciary's approach to balancing the rights of the accused with the gravity of the offense committed. While acknowledging the seriousness of the charges against Patel, the court considered the humanitarian aspect of his mother's health condition. The conditions attached to the temporary bail, including the requirement for a police escort and the directive for immediate surrender if the surgery did not occur, reflect the court's intent to ensure that the temporary release did not compromise the ongoing legal proceedings or the interests of justice.
This ruling also highlights the procedural aspects of granting temporary bail in serious criminal cases. The court's careful consideration of the circumstances, including the health condition of a close family member and the necessity of the accused's presence, demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in such decisions. The imposition of strict conditions serves to mitigate any potential misuse of the temporary bail and reinforces the principle that such concessions are exceptional and not to be taken lightly.
In conclusion, the Gujarat High Court's grant of temporary bail to Tathya Patel, with stringent conditions, reflects a balanced approach that considers both the personal circumstances of the accused and the severity of the offense committed. The decision serves as a reminder of the judiciary's role in ensuring that justice is administered fairly, taking into account all relevant factors while upholding the rule of law.
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