The Bombay High Court today asked the Maharashtra government to state what guidelines it has framed about the use of breath analysers and collection of blood sample of offenders in cases of drunk driving to ensure there is no tampering with evidence.
The division bench headed by Justice Abhay Oka is hearing a public interest litigation filed by senior journalist Nikhil Wagle seeking compensation from Bollywood superstar Salman Khan for victims of the 2002 hit-and-run mishap.
The judges also sought to know whether the driving licences of offenders in drunk driving cases are suspended or revoked if they test positive for alcohol, and what action is taken against the officers who are found negligent in doing their duty in such cases. The reply is to be filed by December 23.
Last week, the Union Government had said it was considering a proposal to enhance punishment for drunk driving by amending IPC sections 304 A (causing death by negligence) and 279 (rash and negligent driving).
Salman Khan was acquitted in the 2002 case by the High Court earlier this month. The actor has already deposited the compensation for the families of victims as directed by the High Court, but Wagle's petition is still being heard as the court expanded its scope to include the issue of enhancement of punishment in accident cases.
