Srinagar, Dec 6: The court of Special Mobile Magistrate (Traffic) Srinagar presided over by Shabir Ahmad Malik, convicted & sentenced a father for three years imprisonment, under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, noting that he had pleaded guilty for allowing minor son to drive vehicle & citing the act poses grave threat to the public safety .
The court for the offence committed by him awarded him three years’ simple imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 along with cancellation of the vehicle’s registration for twelve months.
While the offence did not involve moral turpitude and the accused had no prior convictions, the court extended the benefit of probation and was directed to execute a bond of Rs 2 lakh for maintaining peace and good behaviour for two years.
Court added that any violation of the bond conditions during this period will result in enforcement of the proposed sentence and forfeiture of the bond amount to the government.
Highlighting the severity of road safety challenges in the country, the court noted that approximately 8,10,913 people have died in road accidents in India over the last five years: Precious lives are lost due to negligent driving and bypassing traffic rules, the court observed & the court has called the figure of death by road accidents as alarming and urging strict adherence to traffic laws.
Underscoring the dangers of underage driving, the court said that minors are frequently seen operating bikes, scooties and cars, particularly around schools and crowded areas, leading to accidents and loss of lives. It is the foremost duty of parents not to provide vehicles to their minor children until they attain majority and possess a valid driving license,” the court added.
The court directed that a copy of the judgment be forwarded to the Commissioner Secretary, School Education, J&K, with instructions to circulate it to all government and private schools and to educate students, parents and guardians on the issue. It also urged the department to frame a “No Vehicle Policy for Minors” in educational institutions.
Additionally, the court asked the IGP Traffic, J&K, to conduct special drives against underage drivers to curb the violation.
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