Soon, talking on phone while driving to get you harsher punishment

Zee Media Bureau

The Supreme Court has urged the government to levy exemplary punishment on those found guilty of talking on mobile phone while driving on road.  The top court wants much harsher penalty for the errant drivers that they would think twice before stepping on the accelerator beyond the permissible limit.

The Indian Express reported that the top court has drawn the government's attention to the matter. The appeal by a bench led by Justice Dipak Misra was supported by Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, who also said that the punishment for driving dangerously was inadequate under the Motor Vehicles Act.

The report added that Rohatgi said that death due to reckless driving by others was “tragic” and that it required to be curbed with iron hands. He added that many such accidents take place because people use mobile phones while driving and get distracted.

Currently, the offenders are booked under Section 184 of the Motor vehicles Act, which includes a maximum jail term of six months or a only fine of Rs 1000 for the first offence. Imprisonment for two years or a fine of Rs 2000 is provided for a subsequent offence. There is a provision of two years in jail with fine under Section 304A of the IPC. 

Mostly, the guilty get away from imprisonment after paying the fine.