Gujarat High Court directs govt to curb wrong-side driving, tinted car windows during Navratri

A division bench of Justices A S Supehia and L S Pirzada of Gujarat High Court on Wednesday issued strict instructions to the state government that no cars with tinted films should be allowed during Navratri. The court was hearing a contempt petition relating to stray cattle menace, broken roads, roadside vendors, illegal encroachments on footpaths, and traffic problems across the state.

The bench emphasised that this is a matter of public safety, as black film in car windows could be misused during the festival and lead to untoward incidents. The high court also directed the authorities to ensure that there is no illegal parking or traffic chaos during Navratri and that its earlier orders are strictly followed.

During the hearing, the court strongly addressed the issue of wrong-side driving, which can lead to serious accidents and endanger lives. The court scheduled the next hearing for next week.

On behalf of the state government, it was submitted that the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and other authorities are continuously taking action to clear roads and footpaths of illegal vendors and encroachments. It was further submitted that a campaign against wrong-side driving is already underway, and that special drives are being carried out, particularly against cars with tinted windows  and those without number plates.

It was also informed that in the ongoing enforcement drive, FIRs have been registered against 86 motorists for wrong-side driving. Additionally, 1.13 lakh e-challans amounting to ₹2.43 crore have been issued for traffic violations. Citizens now have 90 days to settle their pending challans at the newly opened e-challan centers.

The petitioner’s side pointed out that during Navratri, the authorities should make special traffic management plans to prevent illegal parking and traffic chaos so that citizens are not inconvenienced. 

The state responded that special arrangements are being made, particularly around SG Highway, Sindhu Bhavan Road, and other venues of ras-garba events, with the city police, traffic police, and municipal corporation working jointly to ensure smooth flow of traffic and to minimise inconvenience to the public.