A court in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, has convicted a father for letting his minor son drive a vehicle and has proposed a three-year prison term. Despite this, the court granted the benefit of the Probation of Offenders Act due to mitigating factors, as the accused admitted guilt and did not contest the case.
The Court of the Special Mobile Magistrate (Traffic), Kashmir, Srinagar, made a significant ruling to enforce road safety laws by convicting a vehicle owner for allowing a minor to drive, finding him guilty under Sections 199-A and 180 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
The case records show that a minor was caught driving a vehicle with registration number JK01AT-2978, owned by Haroon Khan of Fateh Kadal, Srinagar. Khan acknowledged ownership and appeared in court through his counsel after traffic authorities issued a challan against him.
Section 199-A of the Motor Vehicles Act holds the guardian or owner responsible when a juvenile violates the Act. This section imposes severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and vehicle registration cancellation.
The accused admitted guilt during the proceedings and opted out of a trial. Following his statement, the court found him guilty of the charges and convicted him accordingly.
The court suggested a three-year prison term and a Rs 25,000 fine under Section 199-A, along with a three-month prison term and a Rs 1,000 fine under Section 180 of the Motor Vehicles Act. Additionally, the vehicle’s registration certificate was revoked for a year, with both sentences running concurrently.
However, due to the non-serious nature of the offence, lack of prior convictions, and considering the accused’s age and background, the court applied the Probation of Offenders Act. The accused was required to post a Rs 2 lakh bond for good behavior over two years, with a warning that any breach would result in serving the proposed sentence.
The court also released the vehicle and related documents to the registered owner, clarifying that the conviction would not affect his eligibility for public or private employment, passport verification, or similar purposes. The judgment was issued by Shabir Ahmad Malik, Special Mobile Magistrate (Traffic), Kashmir, Srinagar.
