Kurla Bus Crash Case: Bombay High Court Grants Bail to BEST Driver

The Bombay High Court has granted bail to the driver involved in the fatal Kurla bus accident that claimed nine lives. The decision comes more than a year after the tragic incident that shook Mumbai.

The driver, identified as Sanjay More, had been in judicial custody since the accident in December 2024.

Details of the Kurla Accident

The incident occurred in Kurla, Mumbai, where a civic bus operated by BEST was involved in a major crash. The accident resulted in the deaths of nine people, injuries to 37 others, and damage to at least 22 vehicles.

The scale of the incident had raised serious concerns about road safety and public transport operations.

Court’s Observations on Bail Plea

While hearing the bail plea, the court considered multiple factors. One of the key points highlighted was that the accused had already spent over a year in custody.

The court also noted that the trial is likely to take considerable time due to the large number of witnesses presented by the prosecution.

Arguments Presented by Defence

The defence argued that the driver was experienced and that the charges against him were excessive. It was submitted that the case should not fall under culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

According to the defence, the incident could at most be treated as a case of rash and negligent driving.

Training and Operational Concerns

Another argument raised during the hearing was related to the driver’s limited training on electric buses. It was stated that he had undergone only a few days of training before operating the vehicle.

This aspect was presented to highlight potential systemic issues rather than solely individual negligence.

Impact of the Case

The Kurla crash had triggered widespread debate on urban transport safety, driver training standards, and accountability in public services.

The case continues to be closely followed as it proceeds through the legal system.

What Happens Next

With bail granted, the accused will remain out of custody while the trial continues. The legal proceedings are expected to take time due to the complexity of the case and the number of witnesses involved.