'Police Tough On Poor, Toothless Before Affluent': Chhattisgarh High Court On Road Hooliganism & Rash Driving

In yet another incident of reckless hooliganism on roads, the Chhattisgarh High Court has taken suo-motu cognisance of news reports published in two Hindi dailies, detailing the act of some youngsters who, while travelling to a farmhouse to celebrate a birthday, were rashly and negligently driving their cars and performing stunts by hanging on the windows and sunroof, while endangering the lives of other commuters.In the early months of 2025, the Court had taken cognisance of similar incidents of hooliganism on roads, and was assured by the Chief Secretary of the State and the Director General of Police that steps had been taken to curb the menace of road hooliganism by musclemen and affluent people.However, a Division Bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru lamented,“It appears that the wrath of the police only falls upon the poor, middle-class and the downtrodden but when the culprit is an affluent person either in terms of muscle, money or political backing, the police authorities become toothless tiger and such offenders are let go off by paying meager amount of money in terms of fine and their vehicles are also released and handed to the owners. It is difficult to understand as to what restrains the police authorities to register offence under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 or under any other stringent laws against such offenders who endanger the life of other commuters by their irresponsible and negligent act. The action taken by the police against such hooligans should be such which may be a lesson for their life. The action taken by the police in the present case is merely an eye wash.”The news reports further revealed that some people, who were passing by, recorded the actions of the youngsters and reported the said incident to the police, who immediately took action and seized 18 cars and also registered offences under the Motor Vehicles Act against the persons found in those cars. Additionally, a recommendation was also made to cancel the driving licenses of the respective car owners.Taking a tough stance on the incident, the Court directed,“… we deem it appropriate to direct the respondent authorities that the 18 cars seized by the Masturi Police, shall not be released without the leave of this Court.”The Court subsequently directed the Chief Secret to file an affidavit informing the Court as to what action has been taken against the offenders besides registering offence under the various provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.The matter is now listed on September 23, 2025, for further hearing.Case Details:Case Number: WPPIL No. 21 of 2025Case Title: In The Matter Of Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation v. State Of Chhattisgarh & OthersClick Here To Read/Download Order

'Police Tough On Poor, Toothless Before Affluent': Chhattisgarh High Court On Road Hooliganism & Rash Driving

Saahas Arora

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