Kochi : The high court on Thursday came down heavily on the authorities, including the police and the motor vehicles department, over reckless and dangerous traffic in Kochi city, particularly involving private buses, observing that the city roads were similar to “killing fields”.
During the hearing, the amici curiae pointed out a 2025 HC order relating to steps to be taken by the police to curb reckless and dangerous traffic in the city, particularly involving heavy vehicles, and submitted that the authorities did not appear to be implementing those measures. Multiple incidents of private bus drivers using mobile phones while driving had been reported.
This showed the complete failure of the state’s system, the court said. Noticing these submissions, the court observed that “we are living in times when the right to use roads and pedestrian paths is fundamental in nature and hence road safety becomes an inviolable imperative”. The court said the assurance given to it by the competent police authority on these matters should be complied with in letter and spirit.
A bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran was considering a petition regarding the condition of roads in the city. The court orally asked how private buses plying in the city could overtake other vehicles when heavy vehicles were expected to move only through the left side of the lane. They were even overtaking other vehicles on footpaths. They also pointed out a recent incident in which travellers in a car were allegedly threatened by a person employed by a private bus. In reply, the govt pleader informed the court that the person in question had been taken into custody and necessary action had been taken. It also expressed displeasure over the present situation, observing that despite assurances and steps taken, road safety was still not being given its due importance, particularly at zebra crossings, pedestrian areas and other points having road signage. It further directed the Kochi corporation to respond to the concerns raised by the amici curiae regarding the condition of footpaths in the city. The court also directed the Kochi city police commissioner to file a report on the steps taken, measures being continued and those proposed to be pursued to curb reckless traffic in the city. Additionally, the bench sought instructions from the NHAI regarding the extremely bad condition of the stretch between Edappally and Chavakkad.