The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed all States and Union Territories to frame and notify road safety rules within 6 months, focusing on the regulation of non-motorised vehicles and pedestrian movement in public spaces.
A bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan issued the order while hearing a public interest litigation filed by Coimbatore-based surgeon Dr. S. Rajasekaran, who highlighted the alarming rate of road accidents across India and sought stronger preventive measures.
Directions Under Motor Vehicles Act
The apex court instructed all States and UTs to frame rules under Sections 138(1A) and 210D of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
“We direct all the States and UTs to formulate rules under Section 138(1A) of the Motor Vehicles Act within a period of 6 months, if not already framed, for the purpose of regulating activities and access of non-mechanical propelled vehicles and pedestrians to public places and national highways,” the bench said.
The court further added that the authorities must also, “Formulate and notify rules under Section 210D of the Act within a period of six months, if not already framed, for design, construction and maintenance of standards for roads other than national highways.”
Concern Over Rising Road Accidents
The bench’s directions came in response to Dr. Rajasekaran’s plea, which pointed out that India records one of the highest numbers of road fatalities globally. The petitioner urged the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to take coordinated steps with States to address the issue through better infrastructure, enforcement, and education.
Dr. Rajasekaran argued that the lack of proper traffic segregation and safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists was a major cause of accidents on Indian roads.
The court’s order aims to strengthen road design standards, ensure safer mobility for pedestrians and cyclists, and bring uniformity in road safety regulations across the country.
The bench emphasized that the new rules should cover urban and rural areas alike, addressing issues such as road width, lighting, signage, and pathways for non-motorised transport.
The matter has been posted for further hearing after the six-month period to review compliance by States & UTs.
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