Kerala weighs a special law on drunk-driving deaths, and could multiply motor vehicle fines by up to ten times under Section 210A

19 October 2026

The Kerala government is considering a special law on fatal crashes involving drivers under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. Transport Minister C P John called for legislation carrying jail terms and vehicle impounding instead of small fines, and said such deaths should be treated as murder rather than culpable homicide. A Law Department official said a vehicular homicide provision could presume that a person who voluntarily consumes alcohol or narcotics and then drives knows the risk of a fatal accident. Section 210A of the Motor Vehicles Act already lets a state government apply a multiplier of up to ten times the prescribed fines. Because motor vehicles fall under Entry 35 of the Concurrent List, a state law that conflicts with central law may need the President's assent under Article 254(2). Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said at Thrissur on 19 October 2026 that there would be no compromise on drunk driving. Under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the offence applies when blood alcohol exceeds 30 mg per 100 ml, with a fine up to Rs 10,000 or imprisonment up to six months for a first offence.