100 lives lost in two weeks: Rajasthan High Court takes suo moto cognizance on rising road accidents

The Court observed that the ‘alarming frequency’ of these accidents required an immediate and coordinated institutional response.

The court said, “This Court is deeply concerned over the recurring loss of human lives on the roads of Rajasthan, and is appalled by the continuous reports published in leading daily newspapers, highlighting that a series of accidents has claimed nearly one hundred lives in the last two weeks. The alarming frequency of these fatal accidents calls for an immediate and coordinated institutional response”.

The court lamented about widespread apathy and negligence among citizens regarding public and road safety.

“It is of grave concern that, while the nation places immense value on its human resource, widespread apathy and negligence among citizens regarding public and road safety continue to magnify societal anguish”, the court noted.

The court remarked that the growing insensitivity of certain segments of society towards such incidents appeared to have permeated even into the functioning of regulatory authorities.

“The growing insensitivity of certain segments of society towards such tragic incidents appears to have permeated even into the functioning of regulatory authorities, who are expected to remain vigilant and conscious of these grave issues”, the court said.

The court noted that the facts placed before it revealed a broader systemic issue that warranted judicial attention and direction.

The court, therefore, directed state authorities and the Union Government to file their response to know their stand on improving road and public safety matters.