Chhattisgarh High Court Directs State To Intensify Awareness Drive Against Road Stunts, Birthday Celebrations On Highways
The Chhattisgarh High Court has, yet again, expressed its dissatisfaction with the recurring incidents of road hooliganism and birthday celebrations on cars and has lamented that despite multiple efforts on part of the State to bring awareness among the public, such incidents continue to occur repeatedly.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta called upon all stakeholders of the State and law-enforcement agencies to make earnest efforts to disseminate adequate awareness amongst the public with respect to public safety and civic discipline on roads. In this regard, the Division Bench observed,
“Such awareness may be generated through all available modes, including print and electronic media, radio broadcasts, display of signboards at prominent public places and highways, circulation of advisories through social media platforms, organization of seminars, workshops, and community-interaction programmes, and any other effective means of communication. The objective of these measures shall be to sensitize the citizens regarding the grave risks and consequences associated with celebrating birthdays, performing stunts, or indulging in any such activities on public roads, highways, or any place meant for public use. These acts not only obstruct free movement of traffic but also create potential hazards to the life and safety of other road users, thereby compromising public order and civic discipline.”
The Court further stated,
“This Court further expects that the citizens of the State shall act with a sense of responsibility, maintain civic sense, and strictly adhere to the rules, regulations, and laws governing road safety and public conduct, as well as comply with the instructions issued by the State authorities and its instrumentalities, including the directions issued by this Court from time to time. Any deviation or violation thereof shall render the offenders liable for appropriate criminal action under the relevant statutory provisions. Further, it is made clear that such violators may also be proceeded against under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, for deliberate and willful disobedience of the directions issued by this Court.”
Background
The Court had earlier this year taken suo-motu cognisance of two news-reports highlighting instances of road hooliganism. The first news related to a viral-video of the river-view area of Bilaspur, in which a young man sitting on the bonnet of the car could be seen uttering that he has influence over the area and that nobody can touch him. The second news-item reported that the Block Medical Officer (BMO) of Koria District could be seen celebrating his birthday by bursting firecrackers on the National Highway.
Noting that strict action should be taken by the State against such violators irrespective of their status or position, the Court had sought a personal affidavit from the Chief Secretary with respect to the two news-reports.
In his affidavit, the Chief Secretary informed the Court that action had been taken against the violators and their vehicles had also been seized. Further, the Court was informed that social awareness has also been done through various stakeholders for not celebrating birthday parties on National Highways and not to perform stunts with their vehicles, and that appropriate steps had been initiated against the BMO for suspension of his driving licence and that departmental proceedings against him were also in contemplation.
Noting that despite efforts to bring awareness among the public at large, such incidents continue to occur repeatedly, the Court fixed the matter on 19.12.2025, for further hearing. It further directed that the vehicles seized with respect to the aforesaid incidents shall not be released without the prior leave of the Court.
Case Details:
Case Number: WPPIL No. 21 of 2025
Case Title: In The Matter Of Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation v. State Of Chhattisgarh & Others