Supreme Court bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice KV Viswanathan directs enforcement of helmet use and control of dazzling headlights to strengthen road safety.
Case in NewsSupreme Court issues directions on road safety measures, mandating helmets, curbing wrong-lane driving and banning dazzling headlights . |
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Case Overview
Case Name: Dr. S. Rajaseekaran vs. Union of India & Ors. | W.P. (C) No. 295/2012
On October 7, 2025, the Supreme Court of India issued crucial directives to strengthen nationwide road safety enforcement . The bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice KV Viswanathan acted on a writ petition filed by Dr. S. Rajaseekaran, a noted orthopaedic surgeon highlighting the alarming rise in road accident deaths . Based on the Road Accidents in India 2023 report by MoRTH, over 1.72 lakh people died including 35,000 pedestrians and 54,000 two-wheeler riders due to non-wearing of helmets .
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Key Aspects
The case emphasizes urgent judicial intervention to improve traffic discipline and reduce fatalities caused by negligence and non-compliance with road laws .
- States and Union Territories must strictly enforce helmet rules under traffic regulations .
- Measures to curb wrong-lane driving through automated cameras, fines and real-time monitoring .
- Control on dazzling LED headlights, unauthorised red-blue strobe lights and illegal hooters .
- Directed nationwide public awareness campaigns for drivers and pedestrians .
Legal Insights
The Court relied on key provisions to ensure enforcement and accountability :
- Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 – Sections 129 & 177 : Mandate helmet use and penalise violations.
- Article 21 of the Constitution : Ensures right to life and safe public roads .
- Article 32 : Empowers the Supreme Court of India to issue directions for fundamental rights protection .
- Rule 119 & 125, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 : Regulate lighting systems, vehicle fitness and sound devices .
Court’s Verdict
The Supreme Court of India directed strict helmet enforcement, regulation of headlights and hooters and compliance monitoring through e-enforcement . The matter will be reviewed after seven months for implementation updates reinforcing the commitment of Justice JB Pardiwala, Justice KV Viswanathan and the Court toward public safety and constitutional responsibility .
Source – Supreme Court of India
Read also – Constitution of India
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