In a significant crackdown on traffic violations, the Delhi Police has, for the first time in the capital, registered formal criminal cases against motorists for driving on the wrong side of the road. This marks a shift from the usual practice of issuing fines or challans to initiating criminal proceedings under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Two Landmark Cases Registered
The police have filed two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) in connection with these violations. The first case was registered at the Delhi Cantonment police station on January 3, while the second was filed at the Kapashera police station on the following Monday. Both cases have been booked under BNS Section 281, which pertains to rash driving or riding on a public way, along with relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act.
Notably, these FIRs were formally lodged by Traffic Assistant Sub-Inspectors who were on duty at their respective traffic circles, highlighting a more proactive role for traffic personnel in legal proceedings.
Details of the Delhi Cantontment Incident
According to the FIR from Delhi Cantonment, the incident occurred around 4:45 PM near the Slip Road towards Hanuman Mandir Red Light. A traffic policeman managing traffic from the T-1 direction spotted a vehicle approaching from the wrong side at high speed. The driver was operating the vehicle "carelessly and negligently, due to which people had a lot of trouble in driving there."
The officer immediately informed the police control room via the 112 helpline, leading to the arrival of a police team at the spot. Upon checking, the driver failed to produce his driving licence and vehicle insurance papers, compounding the violations.
The Kapashera Case: A Driver in a Hurry
The second FIR stemmed from a similar violation near Kapashera Chowk. In this instance, the driver, when confronted by the traffic policeman, allegedly stated that he was driving on the wrong side because he was in a hurry and wanted to avoid a traffic jam. The police reported that this individual was also driving recklessly and at a high speed, endangering other road users.
This case underscores a common but dangerous justification used by many drivers in congested cities, where convenience is often prioritized over safety and law.
A New Precedent for Traffic Enforcement
The registration of these FIRs sets a new precedent for handling serious traffic violations in Delhi. Moving beyond monetary penalties, this approach treats dangerous driving as a criminal offense, which can lead to more severe legal consequences for the offenders. It signals the police's intent to use the stricter provisions of the new BNS to deter life-threatening behavior on roads.
Authorities hope that this stricter enforcement will act as a strong deterrent against wrong-side driving, a major cause of accidents in the city. The message is clear: claiming to be in a hurry or trying to beat a jam is not an excuse for breaking the law and putting lives at risk.
