Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 6: A local court here today sentenced a father for three years imprisonment with fine for providing vehicle to his minor son citing the act poses grave threat to the public safety.
The court of Special Mobile Magistrate (Traffic) Srinagar presided over by Shabir Ahmad Malik, convicted one Mushtaq Ahmad, a resident of Ahmad Nagar Srinagar, under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, noting that he had pleaded guilty. The court for the offence committed by him awarded him three years’ simple imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 25,000. Cancellation of the vehicle’s registration for twelve months has also been ordered by the court.
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. “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”, reads the order.
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. The court stressed that basic safety measures-such as wearing seat belts, helmets or headgear, and avoiding mobile phone use while driving-must become ingrained habits, not actions performed only in the presence of police. “This sense of responsibility should come from within,” it said.
Underscoring the dangers of underage driving, the court siad 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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