ANS Prasad, a spokesperson for the Tamil Nadu BJP, has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Madras High Court to stop the upcoming Formula 4 car race, which is scheduled to be held in Chennai at the end of the month.
Prasad argues that the race poses a safety risk to road users and the general public.
The petitioner’s counsel requested an urgent hearing, but Acting Chief Justice D.K. Krishnakumar stated that the matter would be addressed once the necessary formalities were completed.
The PIL asserts that the state government has not issued an official notification about the race, which is set to occur from August 31 to September 1, despite an announcement by the minister on August 24. Prasad has expressed concerns over what he views as a lack of transparency and preparation by the government.
The petitioner argues that using a vehicle designed for enclosed tracks on public roads violates several provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA). Prasad also highlights that the planned race route would lead to road closures and diversions, causing significant inconvenience for daily commuters. He questioned the need for the street race, noting that Chennai already has a suitable race track at Irungattukottai.
The PIL requests an interim injunction to prevent the authorities from proceeding with the race. This follows a previous attempt to hold the event in late 2023, which was postponed due to Cyclone Michaung. The court had eventually allowed the race with conditions to ensure public safety.
