According to information, the driver, Maqbool Rasulbhai, of Savli village, who was on his way to Karjan on his jeep (G J 6 AA 938) with more than six passengers, was signalled to stop by a senior police officer on Friday.

But the driver reportedly refused to stop, broke the police cordon and drove into a nearby field. Police officials then chased Maqbool and arrested him before registering a case under section 279 of the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) against him.

On Saturday, when Maqbool was presented in front of the judicial magistrate at Karjan, Maqbool admitted to have broken the norms and was sentenced to three months' imprisonment. He was also fined Rs 3,500 along with the vehicle-owner, who was also directed to pay the same amount as fine.

Police officials, who seemed elated over the judgment, said that it would sent right signals to other erring drivers who frequently violated the MVA. ``The erring drivers used to violate the laws thinking that they would get away with paying a minimal penalty. But this judgment would serve as a unforgettable reminder,'' a police officer claimed.

But many do not agree. Says city-based advocate, Narendra Parmar, ``I don't think it will serve as a deterrent. We have to look at the problem from the social angle. There is an imperative need to educate the people about the traffic norms and the need to adhere to those. Only then there would be a significant change.''

While terming the judgement as a rare one, Parmar alleged that policemen often exploited the traffic norms and their interest was more in corrupt practices rather than bringing any attitudinal changes.

According to police sources, vehicle checking on the highway was carried out following a jeep mishap near Karjan recently wherein six people lost their lives.