A court in Palasa, located in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam district, has taken a stern stance against drunk driving by imposing significant penalties on offenders. On Monday, the court levied a fine of Rs 10,000 each on 10 individuals who had been caught driving under the influence of alcohol.
Hefty Fines and License Suspension Enforced
The judicial action underscores the serious view authorities are taking towards tipsy driving, which is increasingly seen as a major public safety menace. In a bid to curb this dangerous behavior, the standard penalty now includes not just the Rs 10,000 fine but also the suspension of the driving license for a period of three to six months. Police officials confirmed that courts are consistently treating drunk driving as a severe and dangerous violation.
Jail Sentences and Widespread Enforcement
The financial penalty is not the only consequence for offenders. According to data from the Srikakulam police, around 30 motorists in the district have been sentenced to jail terms ranging from one to seven days for drunk driving between January and November of this year. This demonstrates a multi-pronged approach combining fines with imprisonment for serious deterrence.
Crackdown Extends to Public Drinking
The police campaign against alcohol-related public order offenses is broad. Apart from targeting drunk drivers, law enforcement has registered cases against a staggering number of individuals—over 8,500 persons—for consuming alcohol in public places and creating a nuisance. This indicates a wider effort to maintain public decorum and safety beyond just the roads.
The concerted actions by the Palasa court and the Srikakulam police signal a clear and strict enforcement drive against drunk driving and associated public disturbances, aiming to make roads and public spaces safer for all citizens.
