Punjab and Haryana High Court Denies Bail to Trucker Accused of Drunk Driving Fatality
Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court emphasized that drunk driving represents a serious threat to public safety and cannot be dismissed as mere mischief. The court denied bail to Jagtar Singh, a truck driver accused of killing an MBBS student while driving under the influence of alcohol two years ago.
Justice Sumeet Goel articulated that such offenses must be addressed with severity, warning that leniency could inadvertently encourage similar reckless behavior among others. He stated, “A person who chooses to drive under the influence of alcohol does not merely endanger his own life but recklessly imperils the lives of innocent citizens using the road.”
The bail plea was presented by Singh, who faces charges for allegedly crashing his vehicle into a parked car at high speed, resulting in the student’s death. Although he was apprehended at the scene, he initially managed to flee. Following a complaint lodged by the victim’s father, police registered a First Information Report (FIR) on November 1, 2023, invoking relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Motor Vehicles Act.
Singh argued for bail, noting that he has been in custody for more than a year and that the formal charge against him had been filed. However, the state opposed his release, asserting that he might threaten or influence witnesses if granted bail. They further contended that his request for bail lacked merit.
Justice Goel indicated that the gravity of the offense and its impact on society must be considered in evaluating bail requests. “Though the challan has been presented and 14 prosecution witnesses remain to be examined, the apprehension expressed by the state that the petitioner, if released on bail, may attempt to influence or intimidate the witnesses cannot be brushed aside,” the judge noted. Consequently, he dismissed Singh’s plea for bail, underscoring the need for accountability in such serious offenses.
