Gujarat Police Constable Sentenced to One Year Jail for Drunkenness at PM's Brother's Residence
A magisterial court in Ahmedabad has delivered a significant verdict, convicting and sentencing a Gujarat police constable to one year's simple imprisonment for being intoxicated while on security duty at the residence of Somabhai Modi, the elder brother of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The incident, which occurred in 2016, has culminated in a legal outcome that underscores the strict enforcement of prohibition laws in the state.
Court Judgment and Sentencing Details
The court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (Ahmedabad Rural) P K Pandya issued the judgment on January 21, 2026, sentencing Lakshmansinh Parmar to one year in jail and imposing a fine of Rs 1,000. The case was prosecuted under the provisions of the Gujarat Prohibition Act, highlighting the state's zero-tolerance policy towards alcohol consumption by law enforcement personnel, especially while on duty.
The court emphasized the societal impact of such offenses, stating in its observation: "The offense committed by the accused in this case is against society. The objective behind enacting the prohibition law is to deter people from consuming alcohol, which is considered a social evil in Gujarat, often causing mental distress to those living nearby." This rationale formed the basis for deeming the offense as serious in nature.
Background of the 2016 Incident
The case dates back to November 2016, when Constable Lakshmansinh Parmar was posted on security duty at Somabhai Modi's residence in Someshwar Park, located in the Ranip area of Ahmedabad. On November 15, 2016, R S Tomar, then police inspector at Police Headquarters in Shahibaug, conducted a surprise inspection at the premises.
During this inspection, Parmar was found in an inebriated condition. Inspector Tomar promptly took the constable to the Ranip police station and registered a complaint against him under various sections of the Prohibition Act. Following his arrest, Parmar was released on bail and subsequently faced a criminal trial that spanned several years.
Evidence and Trial Proceedings
During the trial, the court examined 12 witnesses and reviewed extensive documentary evidence. A critical piece of evidence was the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report, which revealed that Parmar's blood sample contained 0.0747% ethyl alcohol. This exceeded the permissible limit of 0.05% under the Gujarat Prohibition Act, providing scientific corroboration of the intoxication charge.
The prosecution successfully argued its case, with the court concluding that the evidence proved the allegations beyond reasonable doubt. This conviction serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences for violating prohibition laws, particularly for those entrusted with public safety and security duties.
Implications and Broader Context
This verdict not only addresses an individual case of misconduct but also reinforces the broader societal commitment to prohibition in Gujarat. The court's observations reflect the state's longstanding stance against alcohol consumption, viewing it as a deterrent to social harmony and public order.
The sentencing of a police constable in such a high-profile security setting underscores the accountability expected from law enforcement agencies. It highlights the importance of maintaining discipline and sobriety, especially when guarding sensitive locations, to uphold public trust and legal integrity.
