The Bombay High Court has issued a stern call for Indian citizens to “inculcate civic sense” and adhere to traffic regulations, observing that many residents selectively follow rules only when traveling abroad. The remarks came as a single bench of Justice Jitendra Jain heard a plea seeking to increase compensation for the family of a man who died following a collision with a municipal bus.
The court emphasized that the responsibility for road safety lies not just with authorities but with every citizen. Justice Jain noted that elders and parents often set a poor example for the younger generation by disregarding signals and traffic norms.
In a detailed order passed on Wednesday, the High Court highlighted a troubling disparity in how Indians behave at home versus abroad.
“When Indians travel abroad, they obey all the traffic rules and regulations. I do not see any reason why we should not follow the rules and regulations of our country while we return and are staying in India. There cannot be any justification for not following the same,” the court observed.
Justice Jain further stressed that children are quick to adopt what they observe. “Therefore, it is the moral duty and obligation of the elders and the parents to follow rules and regulations… so that the children learn these basic civic sense from their parents,” the bench remarked.
The court also pointed to the common practice of pedestrians ignoring signals, which frequently leads to avoidable fatalities. While acknowledging the “commendable job” done by the traffic police, Justice Jain urged for stricter action against violators, particularly two-wheeler riders who frequently break signals.
“It is high time that we as a responsible citizen, follow the rules and regulations while crossing the road and by following signals,” the HC stated.
The ruling originated from an appeal against an April 2016 order by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal. The family of a man who was knocked down by a Thane Municipal Transport (TMT) bus in November 2012 sought an enhancement of the ₹13 lakh compensation previously awarded.
The victim, who suffered from Parkinson’s disease and was partially paralyzed, was crossing a road when the accident occurred. He eventually succumbed to his injuries in March 2013.
While the court decided to enhance the compensation to ₹15 lakh, it also noted an element of “contributory negligence.” The bench observed that because the deceased was partially paralyzed, he should have ideally been accompanied or sought help to cross a busy road.
“A pedestrian should try to cross the road only at the signal by following signal rules,” the HC said. However, the court also found the bus driver at fault, noting he should have slowed down upon seeing a person limping across the road.
