A road safety activist has successfully moved the Madras High Court, seeking a comprehensive audit of the fitness of all government and private buses operating in Tamil Nadu. The plea highlights the alarming frequency of road accidents involving buses, which has instilled fear among passengers.
Court Admits Plea, Seeks Government Response
A vacation bench comprising Justice S M Subramaniam and Justice P Dhanabal admitted the public interest litigation on Tuesday. The bench has issued notices to both the Union and the Tamil Nadu state governments, directing them to file their detailed responses to the plea within a period of eight weeks.
The petitioner, S Devadoss Gandhi, approached the court out of deep concern over the rising number of fatal road accidents in the state. He argued that the authorities have failed to ensure the proper implementation of crucial safety provisions under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Alleged Lapses in Safety and Enforcement
In his petition, Gandhi pointed to several systemic failures that contribute to the perilous situation on Tamil Nadu's roads. He specifically cited the lack of proper monitoring of vehicle fitness as a primary concern. Furthermore, he alleged rampant overspeeding by buses, often due to the absence or non-functioning of mandatory speed governors.
The petition also underscores other critical gaps, including inadequate training for drivers, widespread non-compliance with established safety standards, and illegal modifications made to buses that compromise their structural integrity and safety.
A Call for Strict Implementation of the Law
The activist's plea is not merely about highlighting problems but seeks concrete judicial intervention. He has urged the High Court to direct the transport authorities to ensure the strict and effective implementation of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, along with the Central Motor Vehicle Rules of 1989 and the subsequent amendments introduced in 2019.
By calling for a thorough audit of every bus, the petition aims to address the root causes of accidents, moving beyond superficial fixes. The court's decision to seek official responses indicates a serious consideration of the grave safety issues raised, potentially paving the way for stricter oversight and enforcement to protect the lives of daily commuters.
