National Desk
21 January
Ludhiana
Journalist Sandeep Dhand
The Supreme Court today directed 23 states and seven Union Territories (UTs) to submit compliance reports on the implementation of recent provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, as well as electronic monitoring and road safety measures.
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuiyan noted that six regions—West Bengal, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Delhi—have already filed their reports. The remaining states and UTs have been asked to comply and submit their reports to the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety.
Focus on Electronic Monitoring of Vehicles
The directions stem from the apex court’s September 2, 2024, order, mandating the implementation of Section 136A of the Motor Vehicles Act and Rule 167A. These provisions empower authorities to electronically monitor speeding vehicles to enhance road safety.
The court emphasized that the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety would review all compliance reports and provide recommendations to the Centre for creating standard operating procedures. This is expected to streamline electronic surveillance and enforcement across the country.
Next Steps and Deadlines
Senior advocate Gaurav Agarwal, assisting as amicus curiae, informed the bench that six states have already submitted their compliance reports. The court will consider their progress during a hearing scheduled for March 25, 2025. The committee may also collaborate with these states for insights while deliberating on the issue.
Road Safety: A Decade-Long Legal Battle
The case originated from a PIL filed in 2012 on improving road safety in India. The Supreme Court’s recent directions aim to ensure nationwide compliance with advanced safety measures, potentially reducing road accidents and fatalities.
The apex court’s firm stance highlights the urgency of implementing effective measures to safeguard citizens on Indian roads.