Court finds no negligence in student’s driving amid Covid curbs

Mumbai, July 23, 2025 The Bombay High Court has quashed an FIR against 24-year-old student Raaid Khan. Khan faced charges of rash and negligent driving during the Covid-19 lockdown. The court found no evidence to prove reckless driving or endangerment under Section 279 of the IPC. It ruled that mere allegations cannot justify prosecution.

“Marine Drive police alleged that five vehicles raced recklessly from Chowpatty to Churchgate around 5 a.m. on June 14, 2020. “The complaint claimed the drivers took “crazy turns” that endangered public safety. They arrested Khan shortly after the incident, but later released him on bail. After four years without charges, he approached the High Court.

In addition, Justice Patil observed that the roads remained mostly deserted due to the Covid-19 lockdown, which reduced the likelihood of endangerment. He added that there was no loss of life or property.’There is no doubt that the petitioner and the co-accused caused no harm,’ the bench stated.”

“The court emphasized that the FIR lacked proof of actual danger or damage. Moreover, no witness statement indicated any instance of rash or negligent driving by Khan. ‘Except for a bald claim of negligence, there is no evidence to support the charge,’ the court concluded.”

Senior advocate Manjula Rao, appearing for Khan, argued that the legal process had effectively turned into harassment. Although police filed the chargesheet, authorities took no further action for years. The court agreed, calling the FIR a ‘bald statement’ lacking factual support.

Consequently, the High Court observed that prosecution without solid proof not only violates fundamental legal principles but also clogs the judicial system with baseless cases. It criticized the police for proceeding without verifying the substance of the claim.

Khan, who was studying at the time of the incident, said the ruling has brought him relief after years of legal uncertainty. The judgment may now serve as precedent in similar cases involving pandemic-era restrictions and FIRs filed without proper investigation.

Sources