PTI, Jaipur. The Rajasthan High Court has taken a tough stance on the increasing deaths in road accidents. The main bench of the High Court in Jodhpur and the division bench in Jaipur have sought a reply from the state government by November 6. The central and state governments were also asked to file their replies. The court has also appointed five amicus curiae.
Issued notice and sought answers regarding road safety
Taking cognizance of the petition filed by Advocate Rajendra Prasad Sharma, the bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Baljinder Singh Sandhu issued a notice to the Additional Solicitor and Advocate General of the state and sought their response regarding road safety.
The court of Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati in Jaipur bench has sought a detailed report from the state government on the status of security arrangements on the highways and stressed on ensuring accountability.
Justice Anurag Singhi and Justice P.S. Bhati’s division bench cited the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution and said recent incidents have forced it to emphasize the urgency of road safety.
Last month, 26 people died in a fire in an AC sleeper bus in Jaisalmer. This week, 15 people were killed in a collision between a tempo traveler and a truck in Phalodi, and in Jaipur, a recklessly driven dumper truck hit at least a dozen vehicles, killing 14.
Asked these departments to present their views
The bench directed the lawyers representing the Medical and Health, Revenue, PWD, Local Bodies, Home, Transport and NHAI departments as well as the Additional Solicitor General and Additional Advocate General to present their case on the issue of road safety and public safety related to their departments.
Answer sought from central and state government
The central and state governments were also asked to file their replies. The Court has also appointed five amicus curiae who are expected to file a joint statement of consensus with concrete suggestions indicating steps to be taken to strengthen the regulatory framework related to road and public safety.