While taking suo motu cognizance to tackle the issue of the recurring loss of human lives on the roads of Rajasthan, a Division Bench of Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Anuroop Singh of the Rajasthan High Court directed all respondents to file responses regarding the issue of road and public safety. The advocates appointed as Amicus Curiae were also requested to file suggestions for strengthening the same.
The Court was appalled by the continuous reports published in leading newspapers, which highlighted that a series of accidents had claimed nearly a hundred lives in two weeks. It was said that the alarming frequency of these fatal accidents needed an immediate and coordinated institutional response.
The Court stated that when such incidents, avoidable with due diligence and proper regulation, continue to erode the fundamental right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, it cannot remain a passive spectator. Further, the Court said that the growing insensitivity of certain segments of society towards such incidents has penetrated into the functioning of regulatory authorities, which are expected to remain vigilant and mindful of these grave issues.
It was said that even though the Court’s attention was initially invited to a particular accident, recent events had compelled the Court to emphasize the urgent need for respondents to activate and strengthen the regulatory framework so that effective measures may be undertaken to mitigate the recurring loss of life and suffering. The Court noted that even though the grievance was narrow, the facts placed on record revealed a broader systematic issue that warrants judicial attention and direction.
The Court directed the representatives of the Union of India, Medical and Health Department, Revenue Department, Public Works Department and Local Bodies, Home and Transport Department, and National Highways Authority of India to file their preliminary response with steps for better regulation to reduce the pain and misery caused by untimely deaths due to a lack of strict measures. They were also directed to furnish their stand on the issues of road safety and public safety.
The Court appointed Mr. Manvendra Singh Bhati, Mr. Sheetal Kumbhat, Ms. Aditi Moad, Ms. Heli Pathak, and Ms. Taniya Mehta as Amicus Curiae and requested them to file a common statement having concrete suggestions indicating steps that may be initiated for strengthening the regulatory framework regarding road and public safety.
While expressing condolences to the families of nearly 100 people who lost their lives, the Court directed the State Authorities and the Union of India to file their responses to improve road and public safety.
Lastly, the Registry was directed to register this matter as a suo motu Public Interest Litigation and list it under the PIL category on 13-11-2025.
Appearances:
Amicus Curiae(s) – Mr. Manvendra Singh Bhati, Mr. Sheetal Kumbhat, Ms. Aditi Moad, Ms. Heli Pathak, Ms. Taniya Mehta
For Respondents – Mr. Rajesh Panwar, Mr. Ayush Gehlot, Mr. N.S. Rajpurohit, Ms. Aditi Sharma, Mr. B.L. Bhati, Mr. Deepak Chandak, Mr. Vivek Shrimali, Mr. Bharat Vyas, Mr. Vinay Kothari
