The Gujarat High Court on July 22 rebuked the traffic police and regional transport office (RTO) officials in a stern manner over parking of luxury buses on public roads, vehicles operating without permits across the state, and the use of CNG kits in school vans in Ahmedabad.

Justice Sandeep N Bhatt remarked that due to the collusion between traffic police and RTO officials for some financial benefits, innocent citizens are suffering from traffic-related problems.

The court has ordered the secretary of the state home department, the transport commissioner, the DGP (Director General of Police) of the state, and the responsible officer of the RTO Traffic Police to present a detailed affidavit regarding the necessary clarifications on traffic issues and the steps to be taken to improve the traffic system.

Recently, a complaint was lodged with Ghatlodia Police Inspector (PI), V D Mori, regarding the haphazard parking of luxury buses on public roads in the Memnagar area, particularly near Patel Kanya Hostel and Divyapath High School Road.

Despite orders and observations from the Chief Justice regarding the entry of luxury buses into the city and illegal parking, PI Mori reportedly gave a very casual and irresponsible response.

No excuses accepted 

Justice Bhatt critically noted that if the police had the excuse of “1,500 cannot manage a population of 80 lakh” was shameful and that officers could not shirk their duties.

He emphasised that enforcing the law is the statutory duty and responsibility of the police, and if they are not aware of this, they need to be reminded.

The high court questioned why illegal parking issues are not being addressed and why luxury buses are not being towed away, while two-wheelers in the no-parking zones are promptly dealt with.

The court also pointed out the failure to comply with the Chief Justice’s orders regarding the entry and parking of luxury buses in the city.

The state’s lawyer could not provide satisfactory answers to the High Court’s pointed questions about corruption or personal involvement in allowing such illegal activities.

The high court questioned the purpose of the traffic police, suggesting that if they are meant to enforce traffic laws, they should not selectively detain only a few vehicles while allowing others to operate illegally.

“If a two-wheeler is slightly outside the line or parked anywhere, you pick it up and fine them. So why don't you take any action against luxury buses and fine them? Explain this to the court... What is the reason behind this? Why is there such a discriminatory policy?,” asked the HC.

Citizen’s life at stake?

Regarding serious concerns about children’s safety Justice Bhatt said, “Do you permit children to sit on CNG kits in school vans? Are you not serious about the risk to children’s lives? Is there any approval for school rickshaws with children’s bags hanging outside? Do human lives hold no value for you?”

When the state lawyer mentioned traffic drives, Justice Bhatt immediately refuted this defence, stating, “The court is not interested in your drive but in the adherence to legal provisions.”

“Do not try to deceive the court. You conduct a drive for fifteen days just to show the high court, and then everything returns to the same state,” said the HC.

The high court has demanded explanations from the state’s home secretary, DGP, and responsible traffic officers, ordering them to appear in court on Aug 14.