Don’t Drink and Drive: IIM Alum Pays the Price Publicly
The Bombay High Court has granted bail to Sabyasachi Devpriya Nishank, a 32-year-old MBA graduate from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Lucknow, who was arrested in November 2024 for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol. As part of his bail conditions, Nishank has been directed to perform community service aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of drunk driving.
Incident and Arrest
Nishank, a senior professional in a private company, was accused of driving recklessly while inebriated. He reportedly damaged police barricades at two separate posts and ignored instructions to stop. The police later apprehended him, and he had been in custody for two months before his bail.
Conditions for Bail
Justice Milind Jadhav, while granting bail on a bond of ₹1 lakh, noted that Nishank comes from a respectable background and that prolonged custody could adversely affect his prospects. However, the court acknowledged the seriousness of the offence, emphasizing that his behaviour was negligent and caused damage to public property.
To balance accountability and rehabilitation, the court mandated Nishank to engage in a unique form of community service.
Community Service Mandate
Nishank has been ordered to display a banner with the message “Don’t Drink and Drive” at a busy traffic junction in Mumbai every Saturday and Sunday for three months. The banner, measuring 4 feet by 3 feet and featuring bold black lettering on a white background, will also include a graphic to emphasize the message.
The court specified that Nishank must report to the traffic officer at Worli Naka Junction in Mumbai. The officer will assign him a visible spot on the footpath where he will stand for three hours daily to spread awareness about the perils of drunk driving.
Court’s Rationale
The court highlighted that the purpose of this order is to educate the public about the harmful effects of drinking and driving. By assigning Nishank this task, the court aims to turn an individual’s mistake into an opportunity to promote social responsibility and public safety.
Conclusion
This unique judgment underscores the judiciary’s commitment to addressing road safety issues while providing offenders with a chance to contribute positively to society. Nishank’s case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of negligent behaviour on the roads and the importance of adhering to traffic laws.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
