Mumbai Sees Sharp Decline in Drunk Driving Cases After Policy Shift
Mumbai traffic police registered over 5,700 cases against drunk drivers in 2025. This marks a significant 39% decrease from the 9,462 cases recorded throughout 2024. Authorities directly attribute this substantial reduction to a crucial policy change implemented around the middle of last year.
From Local Acts to FIRs: A Deterrent That Works
Previously, police handled drunk driving offenses under local acts, known as LACs. However, this approach proved insufficient as a deterrent. The system changed dramatically in mid-2025. Traffic police began registering First Information Reports against offenders under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act.
The new FIR process carries serious consequences. An officer explained the procedure. After registration, the motorist's driving license is immediately seized and sent to the Regional Transport Office for suspension. The offender must then appear before a court. Once the case is chargesheeted, it proceeds to trial where evidence like breath analysis reports is presented.
The Tragic Incident That Sparked Change
This policy shift followed a horrific incident in 2024. Mihir Shah, then 24, was allegedly driving under the influence at high speed on Worli Seaface. His BMW collided with a couple on a scooter. Pradeep Nakhwa, the scooter rider, was thrown onto the car's bonnet. Tragically, his wife was dragged for nearly two kilometers and died from her injuries.
Shah was arrested two days later. His father, a former Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) member, and the family driver were also arrested for aiding his escape. The public outcry prompted immediate action from then Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He instructed police to initiate strict measures against drunk drivers, emphasizing increased checks during nights and weekends.
Measurable Impact and Further Action
The impact of filing FIRs became evident quickly. Between April and December 2025 alone, police recorded 3,228 cognizable offenses. The policy also showed results on New Year's Eve. In 2025, authorities registered 211 cases, notably lower than the 333 cases recorded on December 31, 2024.
Joint Commissioner of Traffic, Anil Kumbhare, confirmed these figures. He stated the reduction in numbers clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of the stricter legal approach.
Beyond court appearances, an FIR registration can severely impact a person's employment prospects and even passport applications. This adds a powerful social and professional deterrent to the legal one.
Activist Calls for Broader Traffic Reform
Activist AV Shenoy of Mumbai Vikas Samiti commended the police's decisive move. However, he emphasized the need for more visible policing on streets to improve overall traffic discipline.
Shenoy proposed a broader categorization of traffic violations based on risk to life. He suggested that offenses like riding in the wrong direction and extreme speeding should be classified as high-risk, similar to drunk driving. Such offenders, he argued, should not be let off with just a challan but face more severe penalties.
In a related enforcement action, over 2,400 driving licenses of offenders were sent to RTOs for suspension in the past year. This step reinforces the commitment to removing dangerous drivers from Mumbai's roads.
