SHOs will be responsible if underage driver causes accident: LHC

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday issued a decisive directive, compelling authorities to take robust actions against Station House Officers (SHOs) in instances where motorists involved in accidents are discovered to be driving without licenses, especially focusing on cases involving underage drivers within their respective jurisdictions. 

The court further mandated authorities to initiate a comprehensive campaign aimed at compelling individuals without valid driving licenses to cease driving.

Justice Ali Zia Bajwa presided over the hearing of a case related to an underage driver, who was seeking a fair trial and due process after being arrested for a collision with another vehicle.

During the proceedings, Additional Advocate General Ghulam Sarwar Nihung disclosed that 2,986 First Information Reports (FIRs) had been registered against individuals driving without valid licenses. In response to the court’s inquiry about efforts to raise awareness on the importance of driving with a valid license, the Chief City Police Officer (CCPO) mentioned an ongoing awareness campaign through various media channels. 

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In compliance with the court’s order, the Director General (DG) of Excise appeared and submitted a written report detailing the registration process for vehicles. The report highlighted the requirement of Form F for vehicle registration, along with subsequent physical verification. The court concluded the petition based on the accused withdrawing his protection request.

The court disposed of the petition on the basis of the accused withdrawing his protection request