MP High Court Issues Notice On Plea Alleging Flaws In Driving License Issuance Process, Road Safety Failure

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued notice on a petition alleging systemic failures in road safety, including alleged irregularities in issuance of driving licenses, faulty road construction and lack of accountability among authorities. The petition states that the RTO issues hundreds of driving licenses each day. Assuming that each test takes approximately 15 minutes, the petition states that issuing such a high number of licenses within a single day would be 'mathematically impossible'. This suggests that the licenses were being granted in bulk, not based on drivers' skills but merely as a procedural formality. The division bench of Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf observed, "Though petitioner has raised several issues, we are of the view that the petition really raises issues with regard to the road safety measures and the issuance of Driving Licence and in case these issues are dealt with by this Court, the other major issues raised by the petitioner would automatically be covered as sub issues". Accordingly, the bench directed; "Issue notice limited to the aspect of issuance of Driving License and the steps taken by the Transport Authority to ensure that properly trained personnel issue Driving Licence and they comply with driving norms. We also issue notice on the issue of road safety measures to be taken by the various departments and the agencies involved". The petition, filed by Ashish Shivhare, stated that accountability of an accident is disproportionately fixed on drivers, while ignoring the role of engineers, contractors and government officials involved in improper road construction, maintenance and implementation of road safety regulations. The petition thus urged the court to issue directions to implement a mandatory digital training system and re-certification for old license holders in the driving license system. Further, it sought directions to establish the Road Accident Investigation Bureau to figure out the scientific causes of accidents. Since the petitioner appeared in person, the court deemed it appropriate to appoint Advocate Arihant Tiwari as Amicus Curiae to assist the court. The case was listed for April 27, 2026. Case Title: Ashish Shivhare v State of Madhya Pradesh [WP No. 4435 of 2026]For State: Government Advocate Anubhav Jain For Ministry of Road Transport and Highways: Deputy Solicitor General SM GuruAmicus Curiae: Advocate Arihant TiwariClick here to read/download the Order

MP High Court Issues Notice On Plea Alleging Flaws In Driving License Issuance Process, Road Safety Failure

Jayanti Pahwa

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