Traffic marshal rides on wrong side of law

Sandeep Rana
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, July 18

Traffic marshals are often seen supervising anti-drunken driving nakas in the city.

However, here is a case where septuagenarian Kulbir Singh, one of the marshals, was fined Rs 3,000 and his driving licence suspended for a month for rash and negligent driving under the influence of liquor by Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Abhishek Phutela.

As per the court order, the 73-year-old marshal was convicted under Section 279 of the IPC and Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act. Kulbir Singh told Chandigarh Tribune that he paid the fine amount and the “chapter was over”. He claimed that he resigned as marshal on the day the court was pronounced.

According to the court order, Kulbir Singh, a resident of Sector 18-D, was booked at the Sector 17 police station. The allegations against him were that on June 15, he drove a vehicle (HR 51 BH 4140) in a manner so rash and negligent as to endanger human life and the safety of others under the influence of liquor.

He was arrested and later released on bail. A challan was put up in the court for trial. The accused admitted to his guilt and prayed that a lenient view may kindly be taken in the court.