Mumbai: Mumbai police have decided to take a tougher stance against drunk driving by registering criminal cases against offenders, following a sharp rise in such incidents over the past two years. A notification formalising this decision was issued by Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Anil Kumbhare, signalling stricter enforcement measures.
Drunk Drivers To Be Booked For Endangering Lives
Under the new directive, individuals caught driving under the influence will not only face legal action but will also have their driving licences impounded and vehicles seized, reported PTI. Kumbhare stated that drunk drivers will now be booked under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with acts endangering life or personal safety, in addition to facing penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act. These cases will be registered at local police stations, intensifying the legal consequences for offenders.
Previously, Mumbai police primarily conducted ‘nakabandi’ (roadblocks) to identify and penalise drunk drivers under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act. However, the staggering increase in cases has necessitated stricter measures.
Rising Drunk Driving Cases Raise Concerns
In 2023, action was taken against 2,562 individuals for drunk driving, but this number surged to 9,642 in 2024, marking a 269 per cent increase. Between January and March 2024, 1,356 offenders were penalised, whereas the figure jumped to 2,264 in the same period in 2025, reflecting a 60 per cent rise.
A senior police official highlighted the serious consequences of drunk driving, warning that offenders risk losing their driving licences, facing difficulties in obtaining passports, and being denied police clearance certificates required for job applications. “Every driver must adhere to traffic norms. Drunk drivers not only endanger their own lives but also put others at risk. Strict action will now be taken against them,” the official said while speaking PTI.
With the new notification in place, all traffic police personnel have been instructed to implement the revised enforcement measures immediately. The crackdown aims to curb reckless driving and enhance road safety across Mumbai.
