On January 16, the Bombay High Court invalidated a First Information Report (FIR) filed against a 20-year-old student who was accused of recklessly causing the death of a stray dog while driving his car.

A division bench comprising Justices Anuja Prabhudessai and NR Borkar additionally observed that the young man, who had been accused, had also contributed ₹5,000 towards the welfare of stray dogs.

The Court, in quashing the FIR, emphasized that the continuation of the case would adversely impact the individual's career.

The student purportedly operated his vehicle recklessly and negligently, resulting in harm to certain idols housed in a temporary shed owned by the complainant. Tragically, a stray dog lost its life in the course of this incident.

He was charged with offenses including rash driving, endangering personal lives, and mischief under the Indian Penal Code. Additionally, he faced charges under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

The Court acknowledged that the student and the shed owner had reached an amicable resolution, with the owner receiving ₹2 lakh as compensation for the damage to his shed. Deeming the settlement authentic, the court proceeded to quash the FIR.

Case Details: Daxay Sachin Sanghavi v. State of Maharashtra & Ors