Gujarat High Court

Gujarat High Court on Friday yet again reprimanded the state government over its inability to enforce the helmet laws.

The HC was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) opposing the proposed flyover in Ahmedabad from Panjrapol to IIM, traffic issues, and rising accidents.

During the hearing, a divisional bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Pranav Trivedi stated that the incompetence and inability of the state government in implementing the helmet laws were evident.

If the government is incapable of doing so, the court cannot implement these laws by going out on the streets, the HC remarked. Citizens’ lives are at stake.

The bench stated that despite an assurance to earnestly carry out the helmet enforcement drive, the government has not taken any strict action against violators this festive season. However, it adds that fine collection and e-challans are still operational regardless.

Responding to these statements, the government notified the court that it is working towards helmet awareness. It has also distributed 1,000 helmets among the public at the expense of the state’s treasury. These helmets were also distributed outside garba venues, it added.

During the hearing of the case, the government informed the HC that it would also issue a circular mandating helmets for officials working in government institutions, corporations, public enterprises, and other departments.

Expressing its resentment towards the government’s measures, the bench said, “Helmet rules are still not being followed as strictly as required. Adopt some technology that can automatically issue e-challans for any two-wheeler rider caught not wearing a helmet by traffic cameras.”

Recommending further, the HC said, “Such cameras should not be limited to major junctions but should be installed at all roads and places within the city. How do other states enforce traffic rules? Study this and come up with something innovative.”

Also read:

Guj HC continues to slam Guj govt over traffic woes

Gujarat HC slams authorities over persistent traffic issues in Ahmedabad

HC Orders strict action against traffic rule violators