Kerala High Court urges swift licence revocation for drunk‑driving offenders

Kerala High Court has ordered the Transport Commissioner to act quickly in revoking driving licences of drunk‑driving offenders after noting the Motor Vehicles Department rarely uses that power. Justice Kauser Edappagath made the remark while hearing a bail plea in a case where the accused allegedly collided with a motorcycle on the Choondal‑Kunnamkulam road. The court said incidents of drunk driving continue to claim lives and families, demanding the authorities exercise the powers under the Motor Vehicles Act seriously. It directed the licensing authority to consider disqualifying or revoking the licence of any driver whose road accident is prima facie caused by intoxication. The Motor Vehicles Act allows the licensing authority to act independently, without waiting for a criminal conviction. In the present case the breath‑alyser showed a blood alcohol level of 86 mg per 100 ml, far above the legal limit of 30 mg. Although the court granted bail because the investigation was nearly finished, it observed that the licensing authority had not yet taken action. The investigating officer was ordered to send the petitioner’s licence to the authority for appropriate proceedings. The court’s observation highlights a growing concern over drunk‑driving accidents that cause countless deaths and distress across Kerala. It urges a shift from lenient licence handling to stricter enforcement to protect public safety. ## Context The Motor Vehicles Act gives state licensing bodies the right to cancel licences without a court conviction, a step often used to deter repeat offenders and improve road safety.