Sector-32 PG owners to be tried for death by negligence, not culpable homicide: HC on 2020 fire mishap

Punjab and Haryana HC orders trial under Section 304-A IPC (death by negligence) for Nitesh Bansal and Gaurav Aneja.

The case stems from a February 2020 fire in an illegal PG in Sector-32, Chandigarh, killing three students.

HC allowed Bansal's 2021 petition challenging trial court's framing of charges under Section 304 (culpable homicide).

Earlier charges also included Sections 336, 188, and 34 of IPC, but negligence charge carries up to 2 years jail.

Prosecution alleged fire from an inferior quality laptop charger, but HC found no intent or knowledge of likely death.