The Supreme Court on Wednesday stressed that adequate laws already exist mandating safety measures such as seat-belt use and child restraint systems, while hearing a PIL seeking their effective implementation to prevent deaths and serious injuries in road accidents.
A Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana noted that Section 194B of the Motor Vehicles Act provides penalties for driving without wearing a safety belt and for carrying passengers who are not wearing one. It also took note of the statutory requirement concerning child restraint systems and the relevant provisions of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. It added that those responsible for implementing and enforcing the rules should be approached to ensure greater compliance. The Court observed:
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“The law has already mandated these things, therefore, these conditions are required to be followed by us, no directions are required. So those who are obligated to implement and to give effect to these rules, you present to them, so that they become a little more active and if at all they are able to really console the people in this country.”
The PIL petitioner, Dr Jothydev Kesavadev, submitted that despite the existing legal framework, seat belts are often rendered non-functional through seat covers, removal of components and other modifications. He submitted:
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“India has 1% of the total car ownership in the world, but we have 11% of the accident deaths. This is an issue which directly affects the right to life. I have personally witnessed accidents, and I was shocked when five medical students died in an accident. The purpose of this petition is to ensure effective implementation of the safety measures already contemplated under law, including seat belts and child restraint systems, so that preventable deaths and injuries can be avoided.”
It was submitted he had also sent a representation to the authorities on February 16, 2026, but had received no response.
The Court observed that non-compliance with existing safety laws and failure of enforcement agencies to act against violations essentially concerned “maintenance of law and order, and discipline of road traffic.” It accordingly directed the petitioner to place his recommendations before the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, which may consider them, and disposed of the petition.