In a significant ruling, a court in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, has sentenced a guardian to three years in prison and a fine of Rs 25,000 in connection with a case where a minor was caught driving a vehicle. The Special Mobile Magistrate (Traffic) Kashmir, Shabir Ahmad Malik, imposed the sentence, fine, and also canceled the vehicle’s registration.
The court’s judgment highlighted that if a juvenile commits an offense under the law, the guardian or the vehicle owner is considered responsible and can face punishment accordingly. The guardian of the minor driver was issued a challan and appeared in court where he admitted guilt and did not opt for a trial.
Considering the accused’s guilty plea and the nature of the offense, the court convicted the accused under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. The accused was sentenced to three years of simple imprisonment, a fine of Rs 25,000, and the vehicle’s registration was to be canceled for twelve months. Additionally, the accused was granted probation under the Probation of Offenders Act, with conditions to maintain peace and good behavior for two years.
