Court Emphasizes Higher Duty of Care by Professional Drivers of School Buses; Refuses Reduction of Sentence to Serve Societal Interest and Deterrence
In a significant judgment dated August 31, 2026, the Punjab and Haryana High Court, presided by Justice Shalini Singh Nagpal, upheld the conviction and sentences awarded to Manpreet Singh, a professional school bus driver, for rash and negligent driving that led to a severe accident injuring school children and staff.
Manpreet Singh, employed as the driver of a school bus belonging to Little Flower Model School, Hoshiarpur, was convicted under Sections 279 (rash and negligent driving), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. The incident occurred on February 23, 2018, when Singh was driving the school bus at a high speed within city limits and lost control near a sharp turn, causing the bus to overturn near Rest House, Hoshiarpur.
The accident resulted in multiple injuries to several school children, teachers, and the conductor traveling in the bus. Witnesses, including students and staff, testified that the driver was operating the vehicle recklessly without applying brakes before the turn. Medical reports confirmed the grievous injuries sustained by the victims. An investigation by the police also ruled out any mechanical defect in the bus, further confirming the driver's negligence.
The trial court sentenced Manpreet Singh to rigorous imprisonment for three months under Section 279 IPC, three months under Section 337 IPC, and six months under Section 338 IPC. The Sessions Court, Hoshiarpur, upheld these convictions and sentences on appeal.
Manpreet Singh challenged the order before the High Court, seeking a reduction in sentence on the grounds that he had already undergone over four months in custody and cited his age and lack of criminal antecedents. However, the High Court rejected this plea, emphasizing the higher duty of care owed by a professional driver entrusted with the lives of minor children and school staff. The Court noted that the driver's rash and negligent conduct was a serious breach of duty, and leniency in such cases would not serve the larger interest of society or act as a deterrent against similar offenses.
The Court highlighted the importance of appropriate sentencing in criminal cases to maintain public confidence in the justice system and to ensure adequate punishment for offenses that endanger human life. It observed that the punishment awarded by the trial court was already on the lower side considering the gravity of the offense.
In conclusion, the High Court dismissed the revision petition, maintaining the conviction and sentences imposed by the lower courts, sending a strong message on the responsibilities of professional drivers, especially those transporting children.
Bottom Line:
A professional driver of a school bus owes a higher duty of care and responsibility while transporting young children and staff. Rash and negligent driving that results in injury to passengers constitutes a serious breach of duty. Reduction in sentence in such cases is not conducive to societal interest.
Statutory provision(s):
Indian Penal Code, 1860 Sections 279, 337, 338
Manpreet Singh v. State of Punjab, (Punjab And Haryana) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2971267
