Today, On 11th March, A tragic accident took place when a bus carrying NLU Jodhpur students crashed, killing three and injuring several others. As per reports, the students were coming back from a sports fest at RGNUL Punjab when the accident happened. The reason for the accident is still being checked. Officials are giving medical help to the injured, while the university and students mourn the loss.
Three students tragically lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries when a sleeper bus carrying students from National Law University, Jodhpur, flipped over in Nagaur, Rajasthan, early Tuesday morning.
According to reports, the students were returning from a sports festival at Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) in Punjab.
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The officer in charge at Nagaur’s Surpaliya police station, Siya Ram, stated,
“Four students suffered serious injuries and were referred to Jodhpur, while others with non-threatening injuries received first aid and were transported to Jodhpur in a government bus. There were around 20 students on the bus involved in the accident,”
Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari conveyed her condolences on X, addressing the tragic incident.
The tragic incident has left the NLU Jodhpur community in shock. Students, faculty members, and alumni have expressed their grief and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.
Social media platforms have been flooded with messages mourning the loss and demanding improved road safety measures for student travel.
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In India, several legal provisions apply to road accidents, passenger safety, and liabilities in such cases. Here are some relevant laws related to the tragic bus accident involving NLU Jodhpur students:
1. Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
- Section 304A IPC (Causing Death by Negligence) – If the accident occurred due to the driver’s negligence, he may be charged under this section, which prescribes imprisonment or a fine.
- Section 279 IPC (Rash and Negligent Driving) – If the driver was overspeeding or driving recklessly, he can be penalized under this section.
- Section 134 MV Act (Duty of Driver in Case of an Accident) – The driver must report the accident and offer medical aid to victims.
- Section 166 MV Act (Compensation for Road Accident Victims) – The injured or families of deceased victims can seek compensation through a Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT).
2. Carriage by Road Act, 2007
- This law regulates the responsibilities of transport operators. If the bus company is found to be negligent in maintaining the vehicle or providing a fit driver, legal action can be taken under this act.
3. Consumer Protection Act, 2019
- If the bus service was arranged by an agency or travel operator, the victims’ families may file a complaint for deficiency in service if negligence is proven.
4. The Fatal Accidents Act, 1855
- This allows families of deceased victims to claim compensation if death was caused by wrongful act, neglect, or default.
5. Public Interest Litigation (PIL) & Road Safety Measures
- Concerned individuals or student groups may file a PIL in the High Court to ensure stricter road safety measures for student travel, such as fitness checks of buses, well-rested drivers, and mandatory speed monitoring.
This heart-breaking accident raises concerns over the safety of students traveling for academic and extracurricular events. Many have urged universities and transport authorities to ensure proper safety checks, well-rested drivers, and well-maintained vehicles for such trips.
As investigations continue, the NLU Jodhpur community mourns the tragic loss of young lives, hoping for the speedy recovery of the injured.