The Supreme Court has directed all States and Union Territories to frame road safety rules within six months, focusing on pedestrians, cyclists, and non-motorised vehicles. This move aims to reduce accidents and improve infrastructure for safer roads nationwide.
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NEW DELHI: In a move aimed at improving road safety across India, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed all States and Union Territories (UTs) to formulate rules within six months to regulate non-motorised vehicles and pedestrian movement in public spaces. The Court also emphasized monitoring the construction and maintenance of roads to ensure safer travel.
Background of the Case
The order comes in the matter of S Rajaseekaran vs. Union of India and Others, a petition filed way back in 2012 by a Coimbatore-based orthopaedic surgeon. The petitioner highlighted the alarming number of road accidents in India and called for a coordinated national effort to reduce fatalities and injuries.
Over the years, the Supreme Court has issued multiple directives on the issue, including:
- Formation of a steering committee to address road safety concerns.
- Enforcement of the Motor Vehicles Act, particularly Section 136A, which deals with electronic monitoring and enforcement of road safety measures.
- Consideration for the creation of State and Central portals to facilitate timely compensation for accident victims.
The Recent Directions
The Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan has now ordered States and UTs to frame rules under Sections 138(1A) and 210D of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which were added through the 2019 amendment.
- Section 138(1A): Empowers States to make road safety rules regulating non-mechanically propelled vehicles (like cycles and hand carts) and pedestrian movement in public spaces. Any rules for national highways must be made in consultation with the National Highways Authority of India.
- Section 210D: Allows States to establish rules concerning the design, construction, and maintenance of roads, except national highways.
The Supreme Court has mandated that these rules be framed within six months, if they have not been put in place yet.
