Pune Court Jails Driver, Owner for Illegal Passenger Transport
Pune, 8th May 2025: The Pune Motor Vehicle Court has imposed a combined fine of ₹30,000 and a seven-day jail sentence each on a vehicle owner and driver for operating unauthorized passenger transport without a valid permit or driving license.
The duo was found guilty of violating key provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, Sections 192(A) and 181, which pertain to driving without a license and transporting passengers without a permit. Both the driver and vehicle owner were fined ₹15,000 each and sentenced to seven days in Yerawada Central Jail.
This is one of the most stringent punishments issued in Pune for traffic violations related to unauthorized passenger transport. Until now, the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) primarily resorted to vehicle seizures and fines. However, with the matter being taken up by the Motor Vehicle Court, offenders now face imprisonment in addition to financial penalties.
The action began when the RTO’s Vayuveg Squad detained a four-wheeler for violating transport rules. Upon investigation, it was found that the vehicle was being used for passenger transport without the necessary permit, and the driver did not hold a valid license. The case was forwarded to the Motor Vehicle Court, where the judge emphasized the severe risk to passenger safety posed by such violations.
Speaking on the ruling, Swapnil Bhosale, Deputy Regional Transport Officer, Pune, said, “We are committed to taking strict action against those who violate traffic and transport rules. This case sets a strong precedent. Unauthorized transport operations without a permit or license not only violate the law but also endanger lives. Such violators will continue to face strict penalties.”
Eknath Dhole, representative of the Maharashtra State Transport Union (Western Maharashtra), welcomed the decision but emphasized the need for public awareness. “The court’s decision is commendable. The RTO must also focus on education and counseling, alongside strict enforcement. This action has stirred concern among drivers in Pune and will likely deter others from breaking the law,” he added.
