Gujarat HC reminds police of responsibilities, demands strict actions against traffic violators

During the hearing of a contempt petition by Advocate Amit Panchal  regarding issues such as stray cattle, dilapidated roads, illegal parking, and unauthorized encroachments by street vendors, the Gujarat High Court reviewed a progress report submitted by the state government and local authorities on Wednesday.

Gujarat High Court will hold local police responsible for traffic violations by citizens

The division bench comprising Justices A S Supehia and R T Vachhani observed that authorities appear to be acting only because of the weekly court hearings.

The bench emphasised that this must not become a superficial or short-term effort. Instead, the court insisted that authorities carry out effective, result-oriented action regularly and without any lapse.

The court further directed the government that in cases of traffic violations such as driving on the wrong side local police would be held directly responsible moving forward.

During the hearing, the bench highlighted multiple concerns. It pointed out that apart from random and illegal parking on roads and public spaces, people are now parking vehicles on the wrong side of the road, worsening the existing problem of wrong-side driving. The court stressed that this growing menace must be addressed strictly by the concerned authorities.

While acknowledging that the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and traffic police are taking some steps, the court warned that such efforts should not be limited to presenting reports in court. Consistent, sincere, and structured action is necessary to bring about meaningful change.

The court further noted that despite over 70 previous orders in this case, the administration’s approach has often been negligent, something that cannot be accepted under any circumstances. The bench reminded the government that it is their responsibility to take proactive steps for the safety and welfare of citizens across the state.

The court also instructed that such enforcement efforts should be carried out not just on select roads but across all areas in the city and the state.

In their report, government representatives claimed that special drives are being carried out to tackle issues like illegal parking, encroachments, and wrong-side driving. They presented relevant statistics, including fines collected, and added that a special anti-encroachment drive will be launched in seven city zones, with continued enforcement in the Bopal-Ghuma area.

Authorities also stated that if a vehicle is caught driving on the wrong side, it will be seized and only released after all pending fines and challans are paid.