In recent years, a series of high profile road crashes involving luxury cars has raised a recurring question: can money buy bail?
In February 2026, a Lamborghini crash in Kanpur brought the debate back into focus. The accused, Shivam Mishra, was arrested days after the incident and later granted bail on a personal bond of Rs. 20,000. The court cited procedural lapses in the arrest and noted that the charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita carried a maximum punishment of less than seven years.
Under Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, police are generally required to issue a notice of appearance instead of arresting an accused in offences punishable below seven years, unless specific conditions justify custody. The court observed that due procedure had not been followed.
The Kanpur case was not the first to draw public attention.
In May 2024, a 17-year-old crashed a Porsche in Pune, killing two people. He was initially granted bail by the Juvenile Justice Board. Following public criticism, the bail order was reviewed and he was sent to an observation home. Investigators later alleged attempts to manipulate blood samples.
In June 2024, Mihir Shah was arrested in Mumbai after allegedly driving a BMW into a two wheeler in Worli, killing a woman. The case reached the Supreme Court, where judges made remarks about responsibility and deterrence. He remained in judicial custody at the time of reporting.
In another 2026 case in Delhi, a minor accused of driving an SUV into a motorcycle was granted interim bail by the Juvenile Justice Board, citing board examinations.
Indian courts consider several factors while granting bail: severity of offence, risk of absconding, likelihood of tampering with evidence and willingness to cooperate with the investigation. In bailable offences, bail is a legal right. In non bailable offences, it remains at the discretion of the court.
Legal experts state that access to experienced lawyers can influence how quickly bail applications are moved. However, bail decisions must still comply with statutory provisions and judicial principles.
The broader question remains part of public debate: does wealth change access to justice, or does the law apply uniformly regardless of status.
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