Disturbed by the growth of high-speed modern vehicles and the disastrous impact of rash driving on human lives, the Law Commission has called for more stringent punishments for such offences.
In its report, the Commission recommended a number of amendments in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Motor Vehicles Act, raising the maximum quantum of punishment to 10 years imprisonment.
The Commission regarded the maximum five-year prison term in Section 304A of the IPC (causing death by negligence) as an inadequate deterrent keeping in view today’s practical reality.
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The report wanted the offence under Section 304A of the IPC to be made non-bailable.
On causing death by driving under the influence of liquor or drugs, the punishment should be a minimum of two years imprisonment.
Underlining that roads are also used by pedestrians, the Commission regretted the absence of a comprehensive Central legislation to effectively and holistically regulate all kinds of traffic. Suggesting that the Centre should formulate a comprehensive road traffic law, the report said this would require an amendment to the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
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Apart from suggesting the confiscation of vehicles fitted with LPG cylinders and the arrest and prosecution of the owners and drivers of such vehicles, the report emphasised the compulsory installation of CCTV cameras at all vulnerable points to curb traffic violations.
The report said it should be made mandatory for notified vehicles to be fitted with an irremovable or tamperproof speed governor. Government vehicles should not be exempted from insurance policy against third party risk.