The Rajasthan High Court on Tuesday initiated suo motu proceedings over a spate of fatal road accidents across the state and asked the government to explain what steps have been taken to improve road safety.
A division bench of Justice Anuroop Singhi and Justice P.S. Bhati observed that the “recent events have compelled the Court to emphasise the urgency of road safety,” invoking the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The court’s action follows a series of tragic accidents in recent weeks. Last month, 26 people died when an AC-sleeper bus caught fire in Jaisalmer. Earlier this week, a collision between a tempo traveller and a truck in Phalodi claimed 15 lives, while in Jaipur, a speeding dumper truck rammed into over a dozen vehicles, killing 14 people.
Expressing alarm over the loss of lives, the bench sought a preliminary response from the state government detailing the measures taken for road safety and accident prevention. It directed counsels representing the departments of Medical & Health, Revenue, PWD, Local Bodies, Home, Transport, and NHAI, as well as the Additional Solicitor General and Additional Advocate General, to state their stand on road and public safety measures undertaken by their respective departments.
Both the central and state governments have been asked to file detailed responses.
The bench also appointed five amicus curiae and directed them to prepare a consolidated statement of consensus, suggesting concrete steps to strengthen the regulatory framework for road and public safety.
The judges noted that the situation demanded “activation and strengthening of the regulatory framework” to ensure effective measures are taken “to mitigate the recurring loss of life and suffering.”
Calling the situation a “matter of grave concern,” the bench remarked,
“While the nation places immense value on its human resource, widespread apathy and negligence among citizens regarding public and road safety continue to magnify societal anguish.”
The court said that the facts before it point to a broader systemic issue warranting judicial scrutiny and direction.
The bench also expressed its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the recent accidents and listed the matter for further hearing on November 13.
