Not just a fine: SC panel says cops should ensure jail term for drunk drivers

Drunk drivers beware! Getting into the driver’s seat after having a drink too many can land soon land you with more than just a rap on the knuckles from here on.

A Supreme Court-appointed panel has reportedly directed that in such cases, the police should press for imprisonment even if it’s the driver’s first offence, The Indian Express reported. This comes less than two months after reports emerged that the government is considering an increase in fine for first time drunk driving offenders.

The panel, headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice K S Radhakrishnan, has reportedly recommended that authorities shouldn’t show any leniency in cases of drunk driving.

Asking state governments and union territories to crack down on driving under the influence of liquor, the panel has asked authorities to suspend the driving license of violators for at least three months.

At present, driving under the influence of alcohol can lead to a fine of up to Rs 2000, or can land the person in jail for up to six months.

The Times of India  had reported in June that the road transport ministry is considering a five-fold increase in the penalty for first-time offenders, and more stringent punishment for repeat offences. This is said to be part of a proposed Road Transport and Safety Bill.

In April last year, Justice (retd) Radhakrishnan was appointed by the apex court as the head of the panel which was tasked with monitoring the implementation of road safety measures, as reported by the Hindustan Times .

According to a report in The Hindu in 2011, a group called the Community Against Drunken Driving had discovered that as many as 70% of fatalities in road accidents in the country are caused by drunk driving.