Father Sentenced to Three Years for Allowing Minor Son to Drive in Srinagar

Srinagar, June 14: A court in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar has sentenced a father to three years in prison for permitting his minor son to drive. The ruling came after the accused admitted his guilt and chose not to contest the case.

The Special Mobile Magistrate (Traffic) in Srinagar found the vehicle owner guilty under the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, specifically sections 199-A and 180, aimed at enforcing road safety laws.

According to case records, a minor was caught driving a vehicle owned by Haroon Khan, a resident of Fateh Kadal in Srinagar. Following the issuance of a challan by traffic authorities, Khan appeared in court through his lawyer.

The court determined that under section 199-A of the Motor Vehicle Act, the vehicle’s owner or guardian is held responsible when a minor commits an offense under this law. This provision includes severe penalties, such as imprisonment, fines, and cancellation of the vehicle’s registration.

During the proceedings, the accused accepted his wrongdoing and did not request a trial. After recording his statement, the court found him guilty and imposed a sentence.

The court proposed a three-year simple imprisonment and a fine of ₹25,000 under section 199-A, along with three months of simple imprisonment and a ₹1,000 fine under section 180 of the Motor Vehicle Act. Additionally, the court ordered the cancellation of the vehicle’s registration certificate for one year, stating that both sentences would run concurrently.

However, considering that the crime did not involve any immoral act, the accused had no prior convictions, and taking into account his age and past record, the court granted him the benefit of the Probation of Offenders Act.

The accused was instructed to maintain peace and good behavior for two years, backed by a bond of ₹200,000. The court warned that any violation of the bond’s conditions would result in the execution of the proposed sentence.

The court also ordered the return of the vehicle and related documents to the registered owner, clarifying that this sentence would not disqualify the accused from government or private employment, passport verification, or similar matters.

This decision was delivered by Special Mobile Magistrate (Traffic) Shabir Ahmed Malik in Srinagar.