SRINAGAR: In a strong crackdown on underage driving in Kashmir, a traffic court has convicted a vehicle owner after a minor was found driving his vehicle in violation of the Motor Vehicles Act.The Special Mobile Magistrate (Traffic), Kashmir, Shabir Ahmad Malik, held the registered owner of vehicle JK01AT-2978 liable for allowing a juvenile to operate the vehicle, stressing that owners cannot escape responsibility when minors are permitted to drive.During the hearing, the accused admitted guilt before the court. The court found him guilty under Sections 199-A and 180 of the Motor Vehicles Act and proposed a sentence of three years’ simple imprisonment and a ₹25,000 fine. Additionally, he was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment and a ₹1,000 fine, with both sentences set to run concurrently.The court also ordered the cancellation of the vehicle’s registration certificate for one year, sending a strong message against reckless violations involving juveniles.However, considering the accused’s clean record and lack of previous criminal involvement, the court granted relief under the Probation of Offenders Act. The convict was directed to furnish a ₹2 lakh bond and maintain good conduct for two years, failing which the proposed sentence would be enforced.The verdict highlights the judiciary’s zero-tolerance approach towards minor driving cases, while also emphasising accountability of vehicle owners and the importance of road safety across Jammu and Kashmir.
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