In an order, the Chhattisgarh High Court has strongly criticized the State police and district administration for their inaction and lenient treatment of a flagrant violation of public order, where a group of individuals blocked a public road in Raipur to celebrate a birthday. The case, initiated as a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (WPPIL No. 21 of 2025), was triggered by a viral video reported by Dainik Bhaskar on January 29 and 30, 2025.
The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal expressed deep concern over the apparent bias in law enforcement, emphasizing that “police shows its might and the rule of law is made applicable only upon the poor people and helpless people, but when the offender is a rich person, rules and regulations are given a go-bye.”
Background of the Case
The incident in question occurred at Raipura Chowk, Raipur, where a group of individuals, led by Roshan Kumar Pandey, allegedly parked two cars in the middle of the road to celebrate a birthday by cutting multiple cakes on the car bonnet, followed by a fireworks display. This obstruction caused a major traffic jam, leading to frustration among commuters, who were honking persistently but were ignored by the group.
The viral video and the subsequent media reports indicated that the main accused was the son of a prominent businessman who owns a supermarket. The public outrage over the misuse of public roads and the lack of police intervention led the High Court to take suo motu cognizance of the matter.
Legal Issues Involved
The court considered the following legal aspects:
1. Blocking of Public Roads
– The act of obstructing public roads without permission is a violation of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The accused was fined a mere ₹300 under Section 122 of the Act, which deals with unauthorized obstruction of roads.
– The court questioned why no stricter legal action, such as seizing the vehicle or lodging an FIR, was taken against the offenders.
2. Public Safety and Public Nuisance
– The court pointed out that such reckless celebrations with fireworks could have endangered public safety.
– The bench raised concerns that had an ambulance or emergency vehicle been blocked during the event, lives could have been lost.
3. Police Inaction and Favouritism
– The court rebuked the police authorities for failing to take immediate action when the incident occurred.
– It questioned whether the accused’s influential background led to police leniency, as such incidents involving economically weaker individuals often result in stricter penalties.
Court’s Observations and Order
The High Court’s strong-worded observations reflect its displeasure over the handling of the case:
– “It is beyond understanding as to what prevented the police authorities from taking immediate and stringent action against those delinquents.”
– “Imposing a fine of ₹300 for blocking a busy road and that too without any permission or authority, is nothing but an eyewash.”
– “It is a mockery of law and order. Such conduct of the authorities of the State will act as a morale booster for such people.”
Considering the gravity of the issue, the Court directed the Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh to file a personal affidavit detailing:
1. Actions taken against the accused persons.
2. Proposed measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
3. Clarification on why stricter action was not taken.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on February 6, 2025.
