MUMBAI: Over 5700 cases were registered against drunk drivers in city in 2025, down 39% from 9462 cases recorded annually in 2024. Traffic Police have attributed this reduction in numbers to registration of FIRs against offenders which began around the middle of last year. Also, over 2400 driving licences of offenders were sent to Regional Transport Offices (RTO) last year for suspension.Earlier, the police used to record cases under local acts (LACs) against drunk drivers, but this was not proving to be deterrant enough.In 2024, an inebriated Mihir Shah, 24, was allegedly speeding at Worli Seaface when his BMW hit a couple commuting on a scooter. Pradeep Nakhwa, who was riding the scooter, fell on the bonnet while his wife was dragged for almost two kilometres and died. Shah was arrested two days after the incident. His father, a former member of Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and driver were also arrested for shielding him and arranging his escape.
After the incident, then Chief Minister Eknath Shinde instructed the police to initiate strict action against drunk drivers and underscored the need to carry more checks at nights and at weekends. The number of drunk driving cases recorded in 2024 was very high.In mid-2025, the traffic police took the decision of registering FIRs against offenders. Between April and Dec 2025, the police recorded 3228 cognisable offences, under provisions of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita and Motor Vehicles Act.“After registration of an FIR, the motorist’s driving licence is seized and sent to the RTO for suspension. He has to appear before court. After the case is chargesheeted, it goes to trial where evidence in the form of breath analysis report is produced,” explained an officer. Registration of FIR can also impact the motorist’s employment prospects and his passport application.“The impact of registration of FIRs against drunk drivers was seen on New Year’s Eve 2025 also when the number of cases (211) were lower as compared to 333 cases recorded on Dec 31, 2024,” said joint commissioner, traffic, Anil Kumbhare. Activist AV Shenoy of Mumbai Vikas Samiti commended the police’s move but added that visible policing on streets must be stepped up for improving traffic discipline among motorists. “Traffic violations should be segragated into categories on the basis of risk to life. For instance, riding in the wrong direction and extremely high speeds must be categorised as high-risk offences, just like drunk driving, and such offenders shouldn’t be let off with just a challan,” said Shenoy.
