Delhi HC for more stringent laws for traffic violators

 With one person dying every five minutes in a road accident in the country, the Delhi High Court is in favour of more stringent laws for traffic violators. Referring to a WHO report, which predicts that in the next 10 years almost 5,46,000 deaths will happen due to road accidents, the HC has emphasised the "need to frame strict laws to provide severe punishment to those who indulge in issuance of fake licence''. While hearing an appeal in a motor accident case where the driver of the offending vehicle was found carrying a fake licence, Justice J R Midha gave some suggestions to the Centre and the ministry of road transport and highways to tackle the problem. The court's suggestion on road accidents have come a week after the HC framed guidelines on "drunk driving''. The 12 suggestions sent to the expert committee for consideration includes one which talks about a need for a special police wing to handle accident cases. Justice Midha has asked the Commissioner of Police to consider the proposal. The court also advocated the use of internet in making the process of issuing driving licence more transparent. It said that the data of driving licence issued all over the country "along with record of suspension and cancellation of licence'' should be made available online. The court also suggested strict action against mechanics who repair vehicles involved in accidents "without clearance by the police'' as it results in destruction of evidence making it difficult for the police to investigate. 



Pointing out that a large number of accidents are caused by drivers who do not hold genuine licences, Justice Midha said, "The persons holding fake driving licence are a danger to society. They do not appear in the test for obtaining the licence and may not have undergone proper driving training. The persons holding fake driving licence may not even know driving,'' the court said adding that 90 % pedestrians feel unsafe while crossing roads and they comprise more than 50% of the accident victims. 



Pointing out that there is one accident every minute and a fatal accident every five minutes, the court suggested that the Centre make stringent penal provision for traffic rule violators and fake driving licence holders to curb road accidents. HC also issued notice to the Road Transport Authority, Delhi Police commissioner and the Delhi government asking them to file a reply by December 10, the next date of hearing.