New Delhi, Dec 2 (IANS): A court here observed that menace of drunken driving has taken an alarming proportion and needs to be dealt with a stern hand as it upheld the conviction of an auto-driver, charged for driving vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Additional Sessions Judge Manoj Jain's remarks came while hearing a revision plea filed by south Delhi resident Hemant Sharma, 25, challenging a magisterial court order, which has sentenced him four days jail for driving vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

The court observed that alcohol content in Sharma's bloodstream was approximately seven times the permissible limit.

It noted that Sharma was driving auto-rickshaw which is meant for ferrying passengers and was challaned at peak evening hour and at a very busy and crowded area of Delhi.

"Thus, he was least concerned about his own safety or safety of other users of the road and eventual passengers who would have hired his auto," the court said.

"Undoubtedly, menace of drunken driving has taken an alarming proportion and it has to be dealt with stern hand."

However, the court took a lenient view against the man after he voluntarily pleaded guilty and sentenced him till rising of the court.

The court, noting that convict is 25 years of age and the sole bread earner of the family, said: "No real purpose would be served by sending him to jail where there is a chance of his coming in association with hardened criminals."

Sharma was challaned for drunken driving near Qutub Minar after he could not produce any valid driving licence and was found without uniform, badge, registration certificate, fitness certificate and insurance in October 2014.

The order was delivered Monday but only released Tuesday.