Vijayawada: Expressing dissatisfaction over the failure of police to implement its previous order mandating use of helmet for two-wheeler riders and those riding pillion, the high court said lax enforcement of law has led to hundreds of avoidable deaths and demanded immediate corrective action. During a hearing on Wednesday, the bench comprising Justices Dheeraj Singh Thakur and Cheemalapati Ravi pulled up the police dept for its inaction, highlighting that 667 people lost their lives between June and Sep this year for not wearing helmets. The court said had its earlier directives had been strictly followed, many of these lives could have been saved.
Inspector general (legal) AK Ravikrishna appeared before the court following its summons and faced a series of sharp questions. The HC bench demanded an explanation for continued non-compliance with its orders and asked why helmets were still not being made mandatory for two-wheeler riders and pillion. Ravikrishna assured the bench that strict enforcement of helmet rules would be prioritised and that district SPs have been directed to expedite the collection of fines from violators.
The court also criticized the police for relying solely on CCTV cameras to issue challans instead of conducting regular helmet checks. It suggested that police personnel actively monitor the roads to penalize those violating traffic laws, including those driving without helmets. Visible enforcement can deter even potential criminals, the court said.
Additionally, the bench directed authorities to seize vehicles of habitual offenders and revoke licenses under sections 167 and 206 of the Motor Vehicle Act. It also instructed the police to launch awareness campaigns through NGOs, insurance companies, and media platforms to educate the public on traffic safety. The hearing, based on a PIL filed by advocate Tandava Yogesh, was adjourned for three weeks, with the court warning that the matter should not be taken lightly.
