Section 197 of MVA : Section 197: Taking Vehicle Without Authority

Explanation using Example

Imagine John borrows his friend Mike's car without asking and drives it to the store. Mike, unaware that John took the car, reports it stolen. The police find John driving the car and charge him under Section 197(1) of The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, for taking and driving away the motor vehicle without consent. John faces a potential punishment of up to three months in jail, a fine of five thousand rupees, or both. However, if John can prove to the court that he genuinely believed he had Mike's implicit consent or lawful authority to use the car, he may not be convicted under this section.