Chhattisgarh High Court Demands Stricter Enforcement Against Misuse of Highways for Personal Celebrations

Court dissatisfied with State's initial actions; calls for robust measures to prevent road safety violations by affluent individuals.

In a significant directive aimed at bolstering road safety and public order, the Chhattisgarh High Court has expressed dissatisfaction with the state's initial efforts to curb the misuse of highways and public streets for personal celebrations such as stunts and birthday events. The court emphasized the need for stringent enforcement of traffic rules to deter unlawful activities that compromise public safety.

The matter came to light in a suo moto public interest litigation, with the court taking cognizance of incidents involving affluent individuals exploiting public roads for personal festivities. Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru, presiding over the case, criticized the state's inadequate actions and directed the submission of a fresh affidavit outlining proposed measures to address these concerns.

The judgment highlighted instances where roads were used for unauthorized celebrations, including stunts and cake-cutting ceremonies on car bonnets, which were widely reported on social media. Despite some actions initiated by the police, the court deemed them insufficient, noting a lack of seriousness in enforcing legal provisions against such violations.

The court underscored the responsibility of the administration to maintain public safety and order, urging close coordination among various government departments and a timely response mechanism for complaints regarding road safety and public order violations. It also called for public participation, community activities, and involvement of elected representatives and media personnel to effectively implement safety measures.

The judgment has put the spotlight on the state's efforts, or lack thereof, in enforcing laws under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Notably, the court directed the Chief Secretary, Government of Chhattisgarh, to file a fresh affidavit disclosing further steps proposed to curb the repetition of such incidents, with the matter scheduled for consideration on November 21, 2025.

As the state gears up to address the court's directives, the judgment serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent law enforcement and coordinated governance to safeguard public spaces from misuse and ensure road safety for all citizens.

Bottom Line:

Public Interest Litigation addressing public safety concerns - Court emphasized the need for stringent measures against misuse of highways and public streets for personal celebrations, such as stunts and birthday events, which compromise road safety and public order.

Statutory provision(s): Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 Sections 184, 130(1)/177; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 Sections 285, 125, 3(5).

In the matter of Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation v. State of Chhattisgarh, (Chhattisgarh)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2801992