The Chhattisgarh High Court at Bilaspur, led by Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru, has taken suo motu public interest litigation (WPPIL No. 21 of 2025) following reports of dangerous stunts on the Ratanpur National Highway by a group of affluent youngsters.
The matter was originally scheduled for hearing on August 7, 2025, but the bench advanced the hearing to July 21, 2025, after coming across a news report published in the Hindi daily Haribhoomi on July 20, 2025. The report highlighted an incident where six young individuals, driving black Toyota Fortuner cars, performed stunts on the highway, blocking traffic, and creating public nuisance.
According to the news report, the group had arranged videographers and lighting for filming, causing a traffic jam that left commuters stranded. One of the individuals, identified as Vedant Sharma, son of Vinay Sharma, later posted the video as a reel on Instagram, which sparked widespread discussion across the city.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the police response was limited to imposing a fine of Rs. 2,000 per car. A letter was also sent to the Regional Transport Officer recommending cancellation of the drivers’ licenses. The court noted with concern that no vehicles were seized, and no offences were registered under relevant laws such as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Motor Vehicles Act, or the National Highways Act, 1956.
The court recalled that on July 4, 2025, it had similarly taken cognizance of an incident involving the wife of a Deputy Superintendent of Police engaging in comparable acts, and had directed the Chief Secretary to address the matter.
Expressing serious concern, the bench observed: “Time and again, such incidents of mischief on the road by not only illiterate people but also from people belonging to educated and well-to-do background is coming to light. Nuisance on the roads not only puts the life of such people in danger but also the life of the other people passing through the said roads.”
The court further criticized the police, stating: “The response/action of the Police is also very disappointing especially when any spoiled rich kids or affluent persons are found indulged in acts like the present one. These youngsters have been let off by the Police very easily by mere imposing fine of Rs. 2000/- which would hardly make any difference for them. When such people do not have any fear of the law of the land, the Police was required to take stern action against them.”
In light of these concerns, the court directed the Chief Secretary of the Government of Chhattisgarh to file a personal affidavit in the matter. The next hearing is scheduled for August 7, 2025.
Case Title: Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation vs State of Chhattisgarh & Others
Case Number: WPPIL No. 21 of 2025
