Mumbai: Man acquitted of drunk driving as alcohol level low, but gets convicted for negligence

MUMBAI: Even as a magistrate's court acquitted a 35-year-old Walkeshwar man on charges of drunk driving after finding that his blood alcohol levels were only 13mg, much lower than the permissible limit of 30mg, he was sentenced to six months imprisonment for rash and negligent driving.

The accident caused grievous hurt and endangered life or personal safety of others, as he jumped a signal and rammed into another vehicle on Hughes Road in 2021, leaving an occupant with debilitating injuries as their car turtled.

"...signal was off, inspite of that, the accused tried to cross the road in a high speed which resulted in the accident. It is certainly rash as well as negligent act," said metropolitan magistrate Nadeem A Patel while finding accused Kaushal Shah guilty on Wednesday.

The magistrate also said due to such irresponsible behaviour of drivers, many people are losing their life in road accidents. "Therefore, in such circumstances, if accused is released on good behaviour bond or fine only, it will be unjust for the victim and also send wrong signal in the society. The rash and negligent driving cannot be taken lightly otherwise it will adversely affect the society. Thus, sentence coupled with fine will meet the ends of justice," said the magistrate.