The Rajasthan High Court took suo moto cognisance on Tuesday of the recent accidental deaths in the state, demanding an initial response from the government that details the measures being implemented to enhance road safety. The Division Bench, comprising Justice Anuroop Singhi and Justice PS Bhati, invoked the fundamental Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution, stating that recent tragic events had compelled them to stress the urgent necessity of improving safety on the roads.
The court specifically referenced several devastating incidents: an AC-sleeper bus fire in Jaisalmer last month that tragically killed 26 people; a tempo traveller-truck collision in Phalodi this week that claimed 15 lives; and a separate incident in Jaipur where a recklessly driven dumper truck ploughed into over a dozen vehicles, resulting in 14 fatalities.
The Bench instructed the legal counsel representing various state departments—including Medical & Health, Revenue, PWD, Local Bodies, Home, and Transport, along with the NHAI—to furnish their positions on the matter of road and public safety concerning their respective departments, with particular attention to the untimely deaths that have occurred. Both the central and state governments were also asked to file their formal responses.
Furthermore, the court appointed five amicus curiae (friends of the court), expecting them to submit a common statement reflecting consensus, along with tangible suggestions outlining steps that could be initiated to strengthen the regulatory framework related to road and public safety. The High Court said that recent events had necessitated judicial intervention to underscore the urgent need for the respondents to activate and bolster the regulatory framework so that effective steps could be undertaken "to mitigate the recurring loss of life and suffering."
The Bench observed that it was a matter of grave concern that while "the nation places immense value on its human resource, widespread apathy and negligence among citizens regarding public and road safety continue to magnify societal anguish." The evidence presented, the judges added, revealed a broader systemic issue that warranted judicial attention and direction.
The court expressed its deep condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in the recent accidents, scheduling the next hearing for November 13.
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