In a stern critique of the state government’s handling of road traffic, the Gujarat High Court recently stated that the people of Gujarat show a blatant disregard for traffic rules. The court’s observations came during the hearing of a contempt petition, where the justices referred to the tragic Iskcon Bridge accident in Ahmedabad, where a speeding car claimed the lives of nine people.
The court, comprising Justices AS Supehia and MR Mengdey, attributed such accidents to the state government’s lack of resolve to enforce traffic rules. Justice Supehia was quoted saying,
“Do you (State) know the core reason why accidents like the recent fatal one take place? The perpetrators don’t have the fear of law. They blatantly, with impunity, violate the laws. You (State) don’t have the spine to implement traffic rules rather you don’t have the will.”
The court further compared the situation in Gujarat with cities like Mumbai and Delhi, where, according to the justices, people respect traffic laws. The justices criticized the state’s traffic management and the passive role of traffic constables in enforcing the rules.
The court also dismissed the government’s claims about the effectiveness of its CCTV cameras, stating that the recent accident revealed that most of the cameras were not functioning. The justices urged the state to provide proper training to its traffic personnel to instill fear and respect for traffic rules among the people.
Justice Supehia suggested,
“Either send them (traffic cops) to Mumbai, where traffic sense, traffic implementation and rules and laws are very strict. Same is in Delhi. Either send your officers there or bring cops from those cities to this State. People here are not scared for the laws. People have become fearless. Its time to deal with such people with iron hands…”
The court also highlighted incidents where policemen were assaulted by citizens while trying to enforce traffic rules. The justices stressed the need for a mechanism that instills respect for the law and for policemen performing their duties.
Government pleader Manisha Luvkumar-Shah informed the court about the state’s e-challan system and other mechanisms to curb traffic violations. However, the court reiterated the need for more effective measures, such as the use of spike-like devices to prevent wrong-side driving, a common traffic violation.
The court has adjourned the matter to August 9, when the authorities are expected to present the actions taken against traffic violators, encroachments on public streets, and the stray cattle menace.