Srinagar, Dec 7 (JKNS): In a stern move aimed at curbing the growing menace of underage driving in Jammu & Kashmir, a Srinagar court has sentenced a man to three years of simple imprisonment for permitting his minor son to drive a vehicle calling the act a grave threat to public safety.
Details available with news agency JKNS, Special Mobile Magistrate (Traffic) Srinagar, Shabir Ahmad Malik, convicted the accused, Mushtaq Ahmad, under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, making it one of the strongest judicial actions in recent years against guardians enabling underage driving.
Sentence, Fine & Probation
The court awarded a three-year jail term and imposed a fine of ₹25,000 on the accused. It also ordered cancellation of the vehicle’s registration for 12 months.
However, considering that the offender had no previous convictions and the crime did not involve moral turpitude, the court granted probation. Ahmad has been directed to furnish a bond of ₹2 lakh, ensuring good behavior for two years. Any violation of conditions will result in him serving the full sentence, and the bond will be forfeited to the government.
“Producing Violators, Not Citizens”
In a strongly-worded observation, the court held parents and guardians directly responsible for enabling illegal driving.
“Parents, guardians, or vehicle owners must realise that by allowing minors to drive, we are only producing violators and victims not responsible citizens,” the Magistrate remarked.
To underline the seriousness of the issue, the court cited shocking national figures, noting that 8,10,913 people lost their lives in India due to negligent driving and traffic violations between 2020 and 2024.
“These numbers are alarming. Traffic laws must be treated as life-saving obligations seat belts, helmets, and avoiding mobile phones are not formalities but essentials,” the court said.
Directives to Schools & Police
The judgment goes beyond individual punishment, recommending systemic preventive measures.
The court has sent the order to the J&K Commissioner Secretary, School Education, urging,• Circulation of the order to all government and private schools • Awareness for students and guardians about underage driving risks • Strict prohibition on minor students bringing vehicles to schools
The court also directed the IGP Traffic J&K to launch special drives targeting underage drivers to curb the widespread practice.
With underage driving emerging as a major contributor to accidents in the region, the court’s tough stance and wide-ranging directives mark a significant push toward road safety enforcement in Jammu & Kashmir. (JKNS)
