OPINION: Fines upped as per inflation, severity

If you take into account that the fines were of 1985 vintage and that incomes have gone up substantially since then, and also take into account inflation, the revised levies are just fine. 

There are two aspects to financial penalties — upgradation: driving without a seat belt has been raised from Rs 100 to Rs 1,000, which today is the same money in value terms as 1985. The other aspect is severity of offence. When the fine for drunk driving has been pushed from Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000, severity is being taken into account. The Supreme Court has ordered severe penalties for such deviant behaviour.

Piyush Tewari, Savelife Foundation