In a significant order aimed to augment public transport safety, the Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered all States and Union Territories to ensure the strict implementation of a rule requiring location tracking features and panic buttons to be installed in taxis and other public service vehicles.
A Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan today said that it was disturbing that less than 1 per cent of transport vehicles have vehicle location tracking devices.Such features could ensure the safety of passengers, particularly women, elderly and children, the Court pointed out. Disturbing part is less than 1 per cent of transport vehicles have vehicle location tracking device, the court observed.
"We direct all States and Union Territories to strictly enforce Rule 125H of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 by ensuring the installation of vehicle location tracking devices and panic buttons in a time-bound and verifiable manner in both new and existing public service vehicles," the Court proceeded to direct.
It added that no public service vehicle can be granted a fitness certificate or transport permit unless it is fitted with Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs) and emergency/ panic buttons.The installation of these features must also be reflected in the Vahan app, the Court said."We also direct all States and UTs to ensure integration of VLTD installation and functionality with the Vahan database for real-time compliance monitoring," it said.
The Court also issued directions to ensure that existing public service vehicles are fitted with these features.
"We further direct the States and Union Territories to ensure retrofitting of VLTDs and panic buttons in public service vehicles registered up to 21.12.2018 in line with Rule 125H of the CMVR to enhance passenger safety.The Court also agreed with a suggestion that vehicles must be sold with VLTDs and panic buttons pre-installed by the manufacturers themselves.
To examine whether such a move can be implemented, the Court directed the Central government to interact with vehicle manufacturers across India and submit a report.The Court passed the order in a case concerning the implementation of road safety measures in India.
The Court criticised various States for their failure to file reports on the enforcement of a rule concerning the installation of speed-limiting devices or speed governors in vehicles. The Court emphasised that all vehicle manufacturers are required to fit speed-limiting devices in vehicles.The Bench took critical note of the fact that the National Road Safety Board is yet to be set up despite earlier court directions.
Today, the Bench took note of an ordinance passed by the State in April to modify the amendment so that serious motor accident cases are not closed. The Court said this would need further deliberation. In today's hearing, Senior Advocate Gaurav Agarwal assisted the Court as amicus curiae. Additional Solicitor General Vikramjeet Banerjee appeared for the Union of India. Standing counsel Ruchira Goel appeared for the State of Uttar Pradesh
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