SRINAGAR: A traffic court in Kashmir has convicted the registered owner of a vehicle after a minor was found driving it in violation of the Motor Vehicles Act, in a ruling aimed at tackling underage driving. The Special Mobile Magistrate (Traffic), Kashmir, Shabir Ahmad Malik, held the owner liable for permitting the juvenile to operate the vehicle bearing registration number JK01AT-2978..
The court held the vehicle owner guilty under Sections 199-A and 180 of the Motor Vehicles Act, observing that owners cannot evade legal responsibility when juveniles are permitted to operate motor vehicles.
During the proceedings, the accused admitted guilt before the court.
The court proposed a sentence of three years’ simple imprisonment along with a fine of ₹25,000 under Section 199-A of the Motor Vehicles Act. In addition, the accused was sentenced to three months’ simple imprisonment and a fine of ₹1,000 under Section 180, with both sentences directed to run concurrently.
The court also ordered the cancellation of the vehicle’s registration certificate for a period of one year.
However, taking into account the accused’s clean antecedents, lack of previous criminal involvement and the overall circumstances of the case, the court extended the benefit of the Probation of Offenders Act.
Judge Shabir Ahmad Malik directed the convict to furnish a bond of Rs 2 lakh to maintain good behaviour for a period of two years, warning that any violation of the conditions of probation would result in the implementation of the proposed sentence.
The ruling underscores the judiciary’s firm stance against underage driving while balancing reformative measures in deserving cases, sending a strong message to vehicle owners regarding their legal obligations and accountability. (KNC)
