Caught drunk driving? Pune court makes offender preach road safety

The Pune Motor Vehicle Court has directed a 28-year-old man, caught driving under the influence of alcohol, to print and distribute 1,000 awareness handbills on the dangers of drunk driving among motorists at traffic signals across the city.

According to the Pimpri Chinchwad Police, the incident occurred on July 22, 2025, when the offender was caught driving a vehicle under the influence of liquor in the Hinjawadi area of Pimpri Chinchwad. A case was registered against him under the relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act.

On Monday, October 28, the Pune Motor Vehicle Court, which handles cases related to violations of the Motor Vehicles Act, imposed a fine of ₹10,000 on the offender under Section 23 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). In addition to the monetary penalty, the court issued a unique directive requiring him to prepare and distribute 1,000 handbills highlighting the risks and consequences of drunk driving, aimed at promoting road safety and public awareness.

A police officer from the traffic branch of Pimpri Chinchwad confirmed that the offender must distribute the handbills at various traffic signals across Pune as part of the court’s order.

From January to September 2025, the Pimpri Chinchwad Police have taken action in 2,984 cases of drunk driving and filed them in court. Authorities continue to urge motorists to follow traffic rules strictly to prevent accidents and ensure road safety.

The case underscores the increasing judicial emphasis on awareness-based penalties for traffic violations, combining punishment with public education on the dangers of irresponsible driving.