Court rings alarm on road risk

Are policemen fit enough to catch traffic violators? The Delhi High Court does not think so, reports Naziya Alvi.

Are policemen fit enough to catch traffic violators? The Delhi High Court does not think so.

HT Image

On Thursday, it took suo motu cognisance of reports on the rising number of fatal road accidents in the city and suggested wide-ranging reforms, including deployment traffic police at bus stands and fitter policemen.

“How can a policeman with a weight of around 120 kg run and catch the culprit? You need be in shape to deal with these cases,” said a bench comprising Justice Swatanter Kumar and Justice HR Malhotra. “A traffic constable at every bus stand will help in regulating the timely arrival and departure of buses,” the bench said. It also suggested that the government should replace old buses with new disabled-friendly ones.

Additional Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium, who has been appointment amicus curie in this matter, also submitted a list of suggestions before the court. The list includes low bus floors with space for two wheelchairs, centralised registration of licenses and stringent punishment in case of violation of rules.

Email Naziya Alvi: naziya.alvi@hindustantimes.com