Mangaluru: The Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC-IV) Court here, presided over by Judge Shilpa S Badagi, has imposed a fine of ₹29,000 on Maruti Kambal for allowing a minor to ride a two-wheeler without a valid driving licence. The court held Kambal guilty of violating provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act and endangering public safety by permitting an underage person to operate a motor vehicle on public roads.

Court ruling and legal implications

According to case details, the incident came to light after traffic police stopped the minor while he was riding the two-wheeler without a helmet or valid licence. During the inquiry, it was revealed that the vehicle belonged to Kambal, who had knowingly allowed the minor to take the vehicle out. Following this, a case was registered under relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which prohibits minors from driving motor vehicles and holds vehicle owners accountable for such violations.

After reviewing the evidence, the JMFC Court found Kambal guilty and imposed a total fine of ₹29,000. The judgment underlined that allowing minors to ride or drive vehicles not only violates the law but also poses a serious risk to public safety. The court noted that such negligence contributes to the increasing number of road accidents involving underage drivers.

Judge Shilpa S Badagi observed that vehicle owners, parents, and guardians share the responsibility of ensuring that minors do not operate motor vehicles under any circumstances. “Permitting an underage person to drive amounts to negligence and disregard for the safety of the public,” the court remarked while delivering the order.

A growing concern across Karnataka

Traffic police officials across Karnataka have raised growing concerns about minors being caught driving two-wheelers and even cars, often encouraged by parents or family members. Several such cases have been reported in recent months, prompting authorities to tighten enforcement and awareness campaigns.

A senior officer from the Belagavi Traffic Police said the ruling sends a strong message. “Courts have started imposing higher fines on parents and vehicle owners who allow minors to drive. In some cases, vehicles have also been seized, and licences of the owners suspended,” the officer said.

In 2024 alone, Karnataka registered over 4,500 cases of minors found operating vehicles without licences, according to transport department data. Many of these instances resulted in accidents, some proving fatal. Police said stricter penalties, including heavy fines and potential imprisonment, are being recommended to deter such offences.

Responsibility of parents and vehicle owners

Legal experts point out that Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, makes it clear that if a juvenile is found driving a vehicle in violation of the law, the guardian or owner of the vehicle will be held liable. The offence is punishable with a fine of ₹25,000 and imprisonment of up to three years, along with the cancellation of the vehicle’s registration for 12 months.

Advocate P. Ramesh, a traffic law specialist based in Hubballi, said, “Parents often underestimate the consequences of handing over vehicles to minors, even for short rides. But the law is very clear — the responsibility lies with the owner. This case reaffirms that negligence will not be tolerated.”

Efforts to raise awareness

In response to rising cases, the Karnataka transport department has initiated school-level awareness programmes highlighting the dangers of underage driving. Police have also started special drives in urban and semi-urban areas to check for minors operating vehicles.

Officials said the case of Maruti Kambal serves as a reminder that even small acts of negligence can lead to heavy financial penalties and legal trouble. “We hope this judgment will make parents and guardians more cautious,” a senior police official added.

Conclusion

The JMFC Court’s decision reflects the judiciary’s growing intolerance towards underage driving and the increasing emphasis on accountability of adults. With rising incidents of accidents involving minors, authorities believe that strict enforcement, combined with public awareness, is the only way to curb the menace.

Asother cities in Karnataka continue to urbanise, ensuring road safety through compliance and vigilance remains a collective responsibility.