SRINAGAR: In a significant move under the newly introduced criminal laws aimed at fostering social responsibility, a Srinagar court has sentenced an individual caught for public drunkenness to three days of community service instead of imposing a traditional penalty.
Jammu and Kashmir Police stated that Mohammad Shafi Najar, a resident of Srinagar, was found intoxicated and causing a public nuisance, violating Section 355 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Following the case’s presentation before the Chief Judicial Magistrate Srinagar, the court ruled that Najar must perform cleanliness and hygiene duties in public spaces in Bhagat Barzulla. He is required to report his compliance to the local Mohallah president and the Station House Officer (SHO), who will then submit a report to the court.
Authorities have emphasised that the new criminal laws prioritise rehabilitative measures over punitive action, aiming to reform behaviour and promote social accountability. The decision is seen as a positive step towards addressing minor offences through corrective means rather than conventional punishments.
