Vijayawada: The high court on Wednesday criticised the police and transport department for not implementing the mandatory helmet rule in the state. Noting that 667 people died for not wearing helmets, the court said had the officials ensured proper enforcement of rules, these many deaths would not have occurred. It summoned the IG of police for traffic to appear in person and included the transport commissioner as a party respondent in the petition.
Advocate Thandava Yogesh filed a PIL contending the inaction of officials in implementing the rules under the Motor Vehicle Act, which makes wearing a helmet mandatory. Arguing in person, Yogesh said despite the high court’s orders, no steps have been taken to enforce the rules.
The HC bench, comprising Chief Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice Cheemalapati Ravi, said they have not seen any traffic police in Vijayawada enforcing the rules, and asked the govt pleaders what steps have been taken so far to implement the court’s orders. The bench further said that drivers going to Hyderabad are wearing seat belts soon after they enter Telangana border, but are not doing so while in Andhra Pradesh. “No car is seen with black films in Hyderabad, but here we can see several cars with black films. It is because of the non-serious approach of the state police in enforcement,” the bench observed.
The bench further noted that there should be deterrence for not following the rules. “Police should not confine themselves to issuance of challans only. They should ensure that the penalty is paid. Why are police not seizing the vehicles for non-payment of challans despite the rules permitting the same?” the high court asked, while suggested stopping electricity and water supply to those houses that did not pay traffic challans. Most two-wheeler riders are from poor and middle-class families, and they suffer a lot when their earning member is lost, the HC said, while wondering why only 1,994 personnel are on traffic duties as against the required 8,770.
Responding on behalf of the state govt, special govt pleader S Pranathi said police department is struggling with shortage of staff, as recruitments were stayed because of litigations. Directing the govt to submit details on steps taken to enforce traffic rules, the high court posted the matter for further hearing to Dec 18.
Advocate Thandava Yogesh filed a PIL contending the inaction of officials in implementing the rules under the Motor Vehicle Act, which makes wearing a helmet mandatory. Arguing in person, Yogesh said despite the high court’s orders, no steps have been taken to enforce the rules.
The HC bench, comprising Chief Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice Cheemalapati Ravi, said they have not seen any traffic police in Vijayawada enforcing the rules, and asked the govt pleaders what steps have been taken so far to implement the court’s orders. The bench further said that drivers going to Hyderabad are wearing seat belts soon after they enter Telangana border, but are not doing so while in Andhra Pradesh. “No car is seen with black films in Hyderabad, but here we can see several cars with black films. It is because of the non-serious approach of the state police in enforcement,” the bench observed.
The bench further noted that there should be deterrence for not following the rules. “Police should not confine themselves to issuance of challans only. They should ensure that the penalty is paid. Why are police not seizing the vehicles for non-payment of challans despite the rules permitting the same?” the high court asked, while suggested stopping electricity and water supply to those houses that did not pay traffic challans. Most two-wheeler riders are from poor and middle-class families, and they suffer a lot when their earning member is lost, the HC said, while wondering why only 1,994 personnel are on traffic duties as against the required 8,770.
Responding on behalf of the state govt, special govt pleader S Pranathi said police department is struggling with shortage of staff, as recruitments were stayed because of litigations. Directing the govt to submit details on steps taken to enforce traffic rules, the high court posted the matter for further hearing to Dec 18.
