Drunk driving grave menace to public: HC

CHANDIGARH: Punjab and Haryana HC said drunk driving cannot be viewed in isolation as a mere act of mischief as it is a grave menace to public safety and "strikes at the very root of societal order", and denied bail to a trucker accused of crushing an MBBS student while driving under the influence two years ago.

Such cases need to be dealt with sternly and any leniency will send a wrong signal and embolden others to indulge in similar hazardous conduct, Justice Sumeet Goel said.

"A person who chooses to drive under the influence of alcohol does not merely endanger his own life but recklessly imperils the lives of innocent citizens using the road," HC said in a recent order.

Justice Goel was hearing a bail plea filed by trucker Jagtar Singh, who is accused of driving drunk, and ramming a parked car at high speed, killing a medical student. The accused was caught at the scene but managed to flee. He was eventually remanded in jail.

The victim's father filed a complaint in Patiala after which police registered an FIR on Nov 1, 2023, under IPC and Motor Vehicles Act.

Jagtar sought regular bail, saying he had been behind bars for more than a year and the challan against him already presented.

Opposing the plea, the state argued the petitioner could influence or threaten witnesses if released on bail. It contended the petitioner did not deserve bail.

Justice Goel held the gravity of offence, manner of its commission, and its impact on society must weigh against the plea of liberty.

"Though the challan has been presented and 14 prosecution witnesses remain to be examined, the apprehension expressed by state that the petitioner, if released on bail, may attempt to influence or intimidate the witnesses cannot be brushed aside," said the judge, and dismissed Jagtar's plea.