Keeping to a timetable cannot excuse reckless driving by private buses, the Kerala High Court has told the authorities, reminding them that enforcement lies in their hands.
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Kochi: Asking why action against reckless driving by private buses has been inadequate, the Kerala High Court has warned that any vehicle can turn into a dangerous machine when driven without care, and has pressed the State authorities for stricter enforcement of traffic rules [CP Ajithkumar and Another v. State of Kerala and Others].
Justice Devan Ramachandran, sitting alone, was hearing a matter concerning road conditions and public road safety in the State. Government Pleader Manu Thomas appeared for the State.
Enforcement is in your hands
Speaking of the limits of what a court can do on its own, the Bench told the authorities:
Courts can say whatever they want, but enforcement is in your hands.
At the same time, the Court made clear that it did not intend to micromanage the authorities.
Questions put to the State
Justice Ramachandran wondered why buses could not be kept to the slow lane. Turning down the need to run to schedule as a justification, he asked whether maintaining timings could ever be an excuse for reckless driving. Two further questions followed: whether charging drivers with rash and negligent driving was enough, and whether camera surveillance was being used effectively.
The incidents that prompted the hearing
Recent incidents involving private buses drew the Court’s attention. In one, a bus is said to have overtaken another through a pedestrian area in Kochi. In another, a bus is said to have knocked down two children in Kannur and left the spot. The Court noted these accounts during the hearing, and they are matters for the authorities to examine.
What the authorities had assured
Earlier, the authorities had given the Court an assurance that heavy vehicles would not overtake within city or municipal limits and would keep to the proper lanes. The Court asked them to take the necessary measures against traffic violations. As reported, the hearing records no formal written directions.
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From rules on paper to rules on the road
The hearing shows the Court moving its focus from the rules themselves to how they are applied. By asking whether a charge of rash and negligent driving is sufficient and whether surveillance cameras are being put to use, it signals that outcomes, not assurances, will be examined.
The matter will be heard next on October 16, 2026.
Case Title: CP Ajithkumar and Another v. State of Kerala and Others
Bench: Justice Devan Ramachandran, Kerala High Court
Next hearing: October 16, 2026
Appearances: Government Pleader Manu Thomas for the State