Srinagar, April 18: A Special Mobile Magistrate (Traffic) Court in Srinagar has convicted a Budgam resident for driving without a valid licence.
The Court of Special Mobile Magistrate (Traffic), Kashmir presided over by Special Mobile Magistrate (Traffic) Shabir Ahmad Malik, according to news agency Kashmir Dot Com, has convicted a motor vehicle violator for driving without a valid licence, sentencing him to three months’ simple imprisonment along with a fine of Rs. 5,000 under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
The challan was taken up for hearing in the presence of the violator and his counsel, while Assistant Public Prosecutor Ms. Chasfeeda Shafi represented the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
Upon perusal of the challan, the Court noted that the violator had been booked under Sections 3/181 of the Act for driving a vehicle bearing registration number JK04K-6597 without holding a valid driving licence. During the proceedings, the statement of the violator was recorded, wherein he pleaded guilty to the offence.
Taking into account the admission of guilt and the nature of the violation, the Court observed that the accused chose not to avail the opportunity to contest the case despite being granted sufficient opportunity. Consequently, the Court proceeded to convict him without a full trial.
The Court reiterated that Section 3 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 mandates that no person shall drive a motor vehicle in any public place unless he holds a valid and effective driving licence. Further, Section 181 prescribes punishment for driving in contravention of this requirement, which may include imprisonment of up to three months, a fine of Rs. 5,000, or both.
Observing that no further trial was necessary in view of the voluntary plea of guilt, the Court convicted the violator under Section 181 and awarded a sentence of three months’ simple imprisonment along with a fine of Rs. 5,000.
The order stated that, “keeping in view the facts and circumstances of the case, the violator is accordingly convicted for the commission of offence under Section 181 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and sentenced to simple imprisonment for three months and a fine of Rs. 5,000.”
