Drive cautiously where pedestrian movement is high, court to DTC drivers

Refusing to grant any relief to a DTC bus driver for rash and negligent driving in BRT corridor, a court here said that drivers should be cautious in places where pedestrian movement is high.

Dismissing the appeal of DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) driver Sunil Kumar Rana against his conviction and sentence for rash and negligent driving, the court said buses in the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) corridors ply at a high speed without taking into consideration the pedestrians who occasionally cross roads from any point.

‘In a place where there is pedestrian movement and vehicular traffic is high, it is incumbent on all drivers to drive cautiously,’ District and Sessions Judge Ina Malhotra said.

The magisterial court had found Rana guilty of rash and negligent driving and causing injuries which lead to death of a pedestrian.

He was sentenced to three months jail and fine of Rs 5000 by the trial court.

Upholding the order on conviction and sentence, the court said, ‘The conclusion of the trial court that the accused had caused death of the pedestrian having driven in a rash and negligent manner does not warrant any interference.’

According to prosecution, on 25 March, 2010, Rana was driving a DTC bus and had an accident on the BRT corridor in which a pedestrian was hit by the bus. The victim was rushed to AIIMS hospital where he succumbed to injuries.