Kerala High Court urges swift action on driving licence revocation in drunk driving cases
· India · The Hindu, Hindustan Times
The Kerala High Court expressed dissatisfaction with the Motor Vehicles department's sparse use of licence revocation powers despite statutory provisions. Justice Kauser Edappagath directed the Transport Commissioner to ensure prompt action under the Motor Vehicles Act in drunk driving cases where road accidents are prima facie caused by intoxication. The court emphasized that licensing authorities can independently disqualify or revoke licences without awaiting a criminal court conviction. The court was hearing a bail plea involving a collision on the Choondal-Kunnamkulam road, where the petitioner's blood alcohol level was recorded at 86 mg per 100 ml, far exceeding the 30 mg legal limit. Despite granting bail due to the near-complete investigation, the court directed the investigating officer to transmit the petitioner's licence to the licensing authority for further proceedings.
Why it matters
The ruling empowers licensing authorities to act independently against drunk drivers, potentially leading to faster licence disqualification and improved road safety, directly affecting drivers facing alcohol-related traffic charges across Kerala.
Read the original report — The Hindu
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