The owner of a motor vehicle, the driver or conductor of which is accused of any offence under this Act shall, on the demand of any police officer authorised in this behalf by the State Government, give all information regarding the name and address of, and the licence held by, the driver or conductor which is in his possession or could by reasonable diligence be ascertained by him.
Simplified Explanation
Section 133 of the Motor Vehicles Act specifies the obligations of the owner of a motor vehicle to provide information to the authorities under certain circumstances, typically following an accident or a legal inquiry. This provision is critical for ensuring that responsible parties can be held accountable and that legal processes are facilitated efficiently. Here’s a detailed explanation:
Section 133 requires the owner of a motor vehicle to provide necessary information to the authorities upon request. This is particularly important when an incident involves their vehicle, and they are not the driver at the time of the incident.
Key Points of Section 133:
- Information on Demand:
- Vehicle owners are legally bound to provide information about the identity of the driver or any other relevant details concerning the vehicle or its use at the time of an incident, such as an accident.
- Circumstances Requiring Information:
- If a vehicle is involved in an accident, the authorities (typically the police) may require information from the owner to assist in their investigations. This can include who was driving the vehicle at the time, the vehicle’s insurance details, and its maintenance records.
- Legal Requirement:
- The request for information can be made formally through a notice or informally during an investigation. Failure to comply with this request without a reasonable excuse can lead to legal penalties.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- Penalties might include fines or other legal consequences, depending on the severity of the incident involved and the degree of non-compliance by the vehicle owner.
- Purpose of Information Gathering:
- Gathering this information helps in resolving issues related to traffic violations, accidents, or any criminal activities involving the vehicle. It ensures that appropriate responsibility is assigned and that justice can be served.
- Protection of Rights:
- The provision also serves to protect the rights of the accused by ensuring that all necessary information is available to aid in a fair assessment of the situation.
Importance of Section 133:
- Accountability: Holds vehicle owners accountable for their vehicles’ involvement in incidents, ensuring they cannot evade responsibility by absence.
- Legal and Administrative Efficiency: Facilitates the efficient resolution of legal and administrative procedures following incidents involving vehicles.
- Justice: Aids in the enforcement of justice by providing crucial information needed for investigations and legal proceedings.
This section of the Motor Vehicles Act underscores the responsibility of vehicle owners in maintaining oversight of their vehicles and cooperating with legal authorities to ensure road safety and adherence to laws.
