The Kerala High Court held that the guardian of a minor or the owner of a vehicle driven by a minor can face prosecution under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (MV Act) even before the minor is proceeded against for driving without a license. Since minors are immune from prosecution, the tendency to indulge in such acts has been on the rise and the owners of motor vehicles do not take due precautions to prevent such acts, the Court noted.
The Kerala High Court declared that parents can be prosecuted under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act if their minor children are caught driving a vehicle without a valid license. Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act is a legal provision aimed at ensuring that motor vehicles are operated only by individuals who possess the necessary legal authorization—a valid driving license.