Karnataka HC sends youngster to six-month imprisonment for negligent, rash driving
The Karnataka High Court has affirmed the six-month imprisonment sentence for a youth under Section 304-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for causing the death of a pedestrian through rash and negligent driving.
Justice Venkatesh Naik T dismissed the revision petition filed by Hanumantharayappa, who was 21 years old at the time of the offense.
The court, referring to Supreme Court judgments, emphasized that a minimum imprisonment of six months is required for offenses under Section 304-A of the IPC. It noted a concerning rise in accidents, especially by individuals driving without valid licenses or insurance, exhibiting rash and negligent behavior.
The accused, Hanumantharayappa, sought to set aside the conviction and sentence, arguing that the deceased was intoxicated at the time of the accident, contributing to the mishap. The prosecution alleged that Hanumantharayappa, riding a motorcycle, negligently collided with the pedestrian, resulting in his death.
The trial court had earlier convicted Hanumantharayappa for offenses under Sections 279 and 304-A of the IPC, sentencing him to six months' rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 5,000. The accused contended that he had no criminal history, intended no harm, and was the sole breadwinner for his family, requesting a lenient view.
The High Court, upon reviewing witness testimony, concluded that the accident resulted from Hanumantharayappa's rash and negligent driving. The court noted that the abrupt movement of the vehicle could have prevented the accident. Considering the accused's age at the time, lack of criminal history, and the concurrent findings of the trial and appellate courts, the High Court found no merit in the petition.
The Karnataka High Court dismissed the petition and upheld the six-month sentence imposed by the trial court for the offenses under Section 304-A of the IPC.
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Punishment for those disrupting assembly proceedings, warns Speaker UT Khader
Belagavi: Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday warned that members who disrupt Assembly proceedings by talking in their seats during debates will be made to sit in the House for an entire day as a disciplinary measure.
The warning came after the Question Hour, when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad was permitted to initiate a discussion on the development of North Karnataka.
At this point, expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal objected, stating that he had been seeking a debate for the past three days but had not been given an opportunity.
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Responding to the objection, Speaker Khader said Bellad had already been granted permission and assured Yatnal that he would be allowed to speak at the next opportunity. He noted that even as a serious discussion was underway, several MLAs were speaking among themselves with their microphones on, disrupting the proceedings.
Expressing displeasure over the conduct of members, Khader likened the situation to football, where players receive red, yellow, or white cards for violations. Similarly, he said, the Assembly issues warning cards to members who disturb the House. If they fail to correct themselves despite repeated warnings, they would be required to remain seated in the Assembly hall for a full day as punishment, he stated.
