Lawyer Faces Murder Charge in 2015 Drunk Driving Case

Corporate lawyer Janhavi Gadkar faces a murder charge in a 2015 drunk driving case where she allegedly crashed her Audi into a taxi in Mumbai, killing two. Initially booked under various IPC sections, the prosecution now seeks to invoke Section 302, arguing her legal knowledge implies intent.

Corporate lawyer Janhavi Gadkar is set to face a murder charge under the erstwhile Indian Penal Code (IPC) for her involvement in a 2015 drunk driving incident in Mumbai. Allegedly, Gadkar's Audi car collided with a taxi, resulting in the death of two individuals.

The sessions court is currently at the stage of framing charges. Prosecutors initially charged Gadkar under several sections of the former IPC, including culpable homicide, causing hurt by dangerous means, grievous hurt, and rash driving, along with violations of the Motor Vehicles Act.

Special Public Prosecutor Iqbal Solkar has requested additional time to submit arguments for invoking Section 302 (Punishment for murder) of the IPC. The Prosecution argues that Gadkar, being a lawyer, was fully aware of the illegality of drunk driving but still chose to consume alcohol at three different venues and then drove at high speed against traffic on the Eastern Freeway.

On the early morning of June 10, Gadkar's vehicle rammed into a taxi, killing two people, including the driver. After spending nearly two months in jail, Gadkar was granted bail in August 2015. The court will hear the matter on August 1.