Punjab & Haryana High Court Issues Notice On Plea Seeking Installation Of CCTV Cameras, 24-Hrs Surveillance To Prevent Road Accidents

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has sought response of Union and State Governments of Punjab and Haryana on PIL filed seeking directions to take steps like installation of CCTV cameras for 24 hrs surveillance, in order to prevent roads accidents.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice G.S Sandhawalia and Justice Lapita Banerji issued notice to the Union of India, State Governments of Punjab, Haryana and other authorities.

Kanwar Pahul Singh, a practicing advocate at the Punjab & Haryana High Court, filed the plea stating that recently a tea vendor named Prakash, while sleeping in his shop, was hit by a speeding car, resulting in his death.

Singh submitted in the plea that no proper sign-boards have been affixed by the respondents as per provisions of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 at roads exiting towards the National Highway.

"Even on wee hours, in the morning and evening, not even a single traffic constable is posted on duty since making of such flyover to guide the people not to take wrong turns because it can cause even fatal accidents. Some of accidents are not being reported even by the persons. This scenario shows complete in-actions on the part of respondents towards the society," Singh added.

During the proceedings, he also pointed out that various government roadway buses have not renewed their insurance after it was expired.

The petitioner has also sought directions to the Government to ensure strict implementation of provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and traffic rules and strict action against violators.

Singh further prayed that a status report should be submitted on the number of cases of accidents involving motor vehicles registered in the last five years, particularly in Punjab, and how many cases the police prepared Accident Information Reports and submitted them to the concerned Tribunal for further action.

The matter is listed for May 22, for further consideration.

Title: Kanwar Pahul Singh v. UOI & Ors.