CHANDIGARH – In a landmark ruling that prioritizes corrective justice over mere financial penalties, the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court has sentenced a Mohali resident to four days of manual labor. His crime? Driving a private vehicle onto the pedestrian walking tracks of the city’s iconic Leisure Valley.
The incident, which sparked widespread outrage among morning walkers and environmentalists, reached its legal conclusion this week after a video of the violation went viral on social media.
The Violation: A Social Media Trail
The case began when a passer-by filmed a car navigating the narrow walking paths of Sector 10’s Leisure Valley, a zone strictly reserved for pedestrians and nature enthusiasts. The footage quickly gained traction on digital platforms, prompting the Chandigarh Traffic Police to launch an immediate investigation.
Using the vehicle’s registration number captured in the clip, authorities identified the driver as Sahil Kaushal, a resident of Mohali. Police acted swiftly to seize the vehicle, citing a blatant disregard for public safety and municipal bylaws.
The Sentence: Cleaning the Scene of the Crime
While the accused faced standard legal repercussions, the CJM Court introduced a “reparative” element to the sentencing. The court’s order includes:
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Financial Penalties: A combined fine of approximately ₹21,000 (₹16,000 for various traffic violations and an additional ₹5,000 specifically for dangerous driving).
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Manual Labour: The accused must perform four days of cleaning duties within the premises of Leisure Valley.
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Strict Oversight: The Chandigarh Municipal Commissioner has been tasked with supervising the service. The Municipal Corporation (MC) will record Kaushal’s attendance daily and is required to submit a final compliance report to the court.
“The court has made it clear that public spaces are not playgrounds for motorized vehicles. By ordering community service at the site of the offense, the judiciary is sending a message that civic responsibility is not negotiable.” — Local Legal Commentator
Impact on Public Policy
This ruling reinforces Chandigarh’s reputation as a city with a “zero-tolerance” policy toward traffic violations. The use of citizen-sourced video as primary evidence highlights the growing role of digital surveillance in maintaining urban order.
By forcing the violator to maintain the very environment he disrupted, the court aims to foster a sense of empathy and respect for public infrastructure—a move largely cheered by the local residents of Sector 10.
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