The decision by the Special Mobile Magistrate Srinagar sentencing a man to three years’ imprisonment for allowing his minor son to drive the vehicle has given a strong and timely message to society especially the parents not to take such things lightly.
While pronouncing the sentence, the court made it clear that the accused pleaded guilty and did not want to avail himself of the opportunity, therefore, there is no need to proceed further with the trial of the case and subsequently sentenced him to three years’ simple imprisonment and a penalty of Rs 25,000.
It is pertinent to mention that Section 199-A of the Motor Vehicles Act clearly mentions that when an offence is committed by a juvenile, the guardian or owner of the vehicle is deemed guilty and is liable for punishment. Besides the aforesaid punishment the law mandates cancellation of the vehicle’s registration for 12 months. It also bars the juvenile from obtaining a driving license or learner’s license until attaining the age of 25.
However, noting that the offence did not involve moral turpitude and that the accused had no prior convictions, the court extended the benefit of probation under the Probation of Offenders Act and directed the convict to execute a bond of Rs 2 lakh for maintaining peace and good behaviour for a period of two years. It further ordered that if the convicted person violates any condition of the bond during this period, he shall undergo the sentence proposed and the bond amount of Rs 2 lakh shall stand forfeited to the Government. Considering the fact that there has been a surge in the cases whereby minors have been involved in road mishaps while driving the vehicles, such a law was the need of the hour.
It is therefore necessary that the parents should know the importance of being responsible in this matter and educate their children about the existing rules and their significance in making the roads safe and convenient for the commuters.
This verdict by the court should be taken as a wake-up call by all parents having young children at home because it is their responsibility to stop minors from engaging in such dare-devil driving without attaining the proper age and stipulated driving license. Such cases should be discussed in homes and other social gatherings to impart awareness among the children and their parents because ignorance of the law can abet such happenings which often prove to be perilous for the minors involved and the fellow commuters who by chance come in contact with vehicles being driven by untrained and immature drivers having no license or authority to steer a vehicle.
