India

Kerala High Court Orders Prompt Licence Revocation for Drunk Drivers

By PTI

The Kerala High Court has criticised the motor vehicle department for its reluctance to revoke licences of drivers found intoxicated and has directed that the power be used in cases of drunken driving that continue to claim lives in the state. Justice Kauser Edappagath said that such reluctance undermines the deterrent effect of the legal provision. "Despite statutory provisions and judicial directives, it appears that the power of disqualification or revocation of driving licences under section 19 of the Motor Vehicle Act is invoked only sparingly. Such reluctance undermines the legislative intent underlying the provision and diminishes its deterrent effect," the judge said. "At a time when incidents of drunken driving continue to claim precious lives and leave families devastated, it is imperative that the authorities exercise the powers conferred under section 19 of the MV Act with the seriousness that the situation demands," the court added. The court said that effective enforcement of the provision would serve accountability and act as a powerful deterrent against irresponsible conduct on public roads. It directed the Transport Commissioner to ensure that prompt and effective action is taken under section 19 of the MV Act in appropriate cases involving drunken driving. "In particular, where a road traffic accident is prima facie attributable to a driver's state of intoxication, the Licensing Authority shall examine the matter without delay and consider initiating proceedings for disqualification or revocation of the driving licence in accordance with law," the court said. The ruling comes amid a rise in incidents of young people driving at high speeds, sometimes under the influence of alcohol, and causing accidents in Kerala. The court’s directions were issued while granting bail to a man who drove his car under the influence of alcohol and rammed into a two‑wheeler, causing grievous injuries to the rider and the rider’s subsequent death. It also directed the investigating officer to transmit the bail applicant’s driving licence and relevant records to the competent Licensing Authority for initiating proceedings under section 19 of the MV Act. "The Licensing Authority shall thereafter proceed with the matter in accordance with law after complying with the principles of natural justice," the court said.