The Supreme Court of India, on Monday, issued a directive to all state governments and Union territories to enforce Section 136A of the Motor Vehicles Act. This section facilitates the electronic monitoring of speeding vehicles, aiming to enhance road safety on both highways and urban roads.
Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih presided over the bench that specifically called upon the state governments of Delhi, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. These states are required to report the measures they have implemented in accordance with Section 136A, read in conjunction with Rule 167A of the Motor Vehicles Act, by December 6.
Rule 167A outlines the deployment of various electronic enforcement devices, including speed cameras, CCTV, speed guns, and Automatic Number Plate Recognition systems, among others. These devices are to be installed in high-risk areas and major intersections within cities boasting populations exceeding one million, as well as in 132 specified cities.
The directive comes in response to a public interest litigation filed in 2012, which sought to bolster road safety across the nation. The court announced that it would review the compliance reports on December 11, subsequently issuing further instructions to other states based on the findings.
A concept paper discussing the implementation strategies and the national rollout of effective enforcement of Section 136A has been drafted. However, the bench highlighted that if the recommendations from the concept paper are enacted, the execution of Section 163A, which deals with compensation for victims of road accidents, may be delayed.
The Justices emphasized the innovative nature of Section 136A, introduced in 2021, which they believe will significantly aid in maintaining road discipline and adherence to the Motor Vehicles Act. The implementation of this provision is expected to furnish the state authorities with detailed data on traffic violations, thereby facilitating more effective prosecution of offenses.
