The Bombay High Court has granted bail to Sanjay More, the driver of a BEST bus involved in a tragic accident in Kurla on December 9, 2024. This incident resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, injuries to 37 others, and damage to 22 vehicles. The order was issued by a bench led by Justice RM Joshi following a bail application submitted by More. The driver, who has been in custody for over a year, is facing serious charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Arguments Presented by Defense

During the bail hearing, More’s legal representatives, Advait Shukla and Amandeep Singh Sra, presented their arguments emphasizing his experience as a bus driver. They argued that the invocation of culpable homicide was inappropriate and that, at worst, the situation could be described as rash and negligent driving, which would not warrant the same severity of charges. The defense indicated that More’s limited training—only three days on the electric bus—was a significant factor contributing to the nature of the charges he faces.

Prosecution’s Stance and Ongoing Proceedings

The prosecution previously submitted a lengthy list of witnesses, leading to concerns that the trial process would take considerable time to conclude. In response to the defense’s request for bail, the Sessions Court initially denied this request on the grounds of the seriousness of the charges against More. Nonetheless, the court had officially framed charges against him on October 13, 2025, to which he entered a not guilty plea.

Witness Summons and Court Delays

In December of the previous year, the court issued summons for multiple witnesses to appear in connection with the case. However, complications have arisen as prosecution witnesses have been absent for the past two months, contributing to further delays in the proceedings. The situation has prompted the defense to argue for bail, pointing to the uncertain timeline for trial completion.

Legal Context and Future Implications

This case is particularly significant, highlighting the legal complexities surrounding culpable homicide charges in vehicular incidents. The outcome could have broader implications for similar cases involving public transport drivers. With the Bombay High Court’s recent bail decision, the focus now shifts to the upcoming proceedings and how each side will navigate the ongoing legal challenges presented in this high-profile case.

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