Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Srinagar, Feb 9 – In a move reflective of the evolving criminal justice framework aimed at facilitating social responsibility, a Srinagar court sentenced an individual found guilty of public drunkenness to community service, marking a shift towards rehabilitative rather than purely punitive measures.
The accused, Shafi Najar, a resident of Srinagar, was apprehended for public intoxication and causing a disturbance, in violation of Section 355 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The case, presented before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, resulted in an unconventional yet constructive verdict—three days of community service focused on cleanliness and hygiene at designated public spaces in Bhagat Barzulla.
As per the court’s directive, Najar is required to report to the local Mohalla president and the concerned Station House Officer (SHO) for supervision, who will ensure compliance and submit a report to the court.
This judgment aligns with the broader objectives of the newly implemented criminal laws, which emphasize rehabilitative justice over conventional punitive measures. Legal experts suggest that such initiatives not only act as deterrents but also promote civic responsibility and behavioral reform.
The ruling sets a significant precedent in addressing minor offenses through corrective action, reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to community-oriented justice.
