Youth guilty of drunken driving released on probation

A youth held guilty of driving his motorbike in a drunken state has been released on probation of three months by a Delhi court on the ground that sentencing him to jail term would adversely affect his life and family.

Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Vikas Dhull let off South West Delhi resident Raju Singh on probation, setting aside the five-day jail term given to him by a trial court.

"This is the first offence of the appellant under the Motor Vehicle Act. Raju is stated to be employed in a private job and sentencing the appellant for imprisonment will adversely affect his life and family.

"Appellant deserves to be given a chance for reformation. The impugned order is accordingly set aside... The appellant is given the benefit of probation," the judge said.

The court's order came on Singh's plea challenging the trial court's July 10 order sentencing him to five days in jail for driving his motorcycle in an inebriated state early this year in South West Delhi area. The trial court had also imposed a fine of Rs 2,000 on him.

Seeking the relief, Singh's counsel had told the court that Raju is employed in private sector and is responsible for supporting his parents, wife and two minor children.

The court ordered him to maintain good conduct and behaviour and gave the trial court the liberty to sentence him if he is found guilty of drunken driving during his period of probation.