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During a contempt petition hearing addressing several urban issues including stray cattle menace, poor road conditions, traffic congestion, illegal parking, and encroachments by street vendors on roads and footpaths across the state, the Gujarat High Court has come down strongly on the state government and traffic authorities.
The court explicitly stated that accidents caused by individuals driving on the wrong side of the road are increasing, resulting in the loss of innocent lives.
The bench of Justice A S Supehia and Justice R T Vachchhani directed the authorities to deal strictly with such lawbreakers — seize their vehicles, and make them aware of the law.
The bench made a sharp observation, stating that their sole concern was public safety, not any other matter.
They demanded proper planning and effective execution from the authorities and called for visible results. The court has now scheduled weekly hearings for this case every Wednesday and asked for regular reports.
During the hearing, government representatives claimed that the police and traffic department were doing commendable work. But the court bluntly retorted — if you are experts, then prove it.
The court emphasised that unless strict action is taken against those violating traffic laws, no substantial results will be achieved. It questioned why, despite claims of efficiency, public nuisance still persists and lawbreakers continue to thrive.
The state argued that FIRs are being registered against wrong-side drivers, but the court said mere FIRs are not enough.
Offenders should be caught, their vehicles impounded, and heavy fines imposed. The government then assured the court that steps would be taken in this direction.
Justice Supehia stressed that whether or not the authorities heed the court’s advice, results must be visible and effective — that’s all that matters. The bench also reprimanded the authorities for focusing only on prominent areas such as S G Highway and C G Road, ignoring other parts of the city. The court demanded strict and efficient action in those neglected areas as well.
The HC raised concern over the number of fatal accidents caused by wrong-side drivers, pointing out that families who lose loved ones in such incidents suffer lifelong trauma. The court implored the authorities to consider the human cost and act accordingly.
In a striking remark during the hearing, Justice Supehia said that on certain city roads, so many vehicles come from the wrong direction that it feels like we’re on the wrong side even when we’re not. This statement resonated with everyone in the courtroom, who fully grasped the seriousness of the issue.
The judge also mentioned first-hand experience on roads like Science City, where even large SUVs are seen driving on the wrong side, prompting the government to admit the gravity of the situation.
The court also criticised the government for its failure to control illegal parking, especially on roads near the Chief Justice’s bungalow and Pakwan crossroads.
Despite previous assurances and action, the situation remains unchanged after a year. The court demanded an immediate and effective response.
The court also ordered enforcement of existing rulings that ban luxury buses and heavy vehicles in the city during specific time slots. Especially during peak hours, the presence of such vehicles causes severe traffic jams.
The court directed that the government must strictly enforce the relevant notifications and legal provisions to keep these vehicles off the roads at designated times.