Bengaluru: Expressing concern over the increasing number of road accidents because of violation of traffic rules and regulations, a Karnataka High Court judge observed that no serious measures are being taken by the government to avoid accidents.
“Pizza delivery men ride on footpaths. Several autorickshaws are being operated with a single permit. Some autorickshaws and even motorbikes go around with people packed on them, making one wonder whether these passengers are humans or luggage. When there are seatbelts for cars, why there is no such facility in autorickshaws,” asked Justice Ram Mohan Reddy while hearing a petition related to accident claim.
You cannot avoid accidents if traffic rules are not followed. The number of accidents is increasing across the country because citizens violate traffic rules. Further, authorities too fail to frame effective rules and are lackadaisical while implementing such rules and regulations. Both transport and traffic departments are not serious enough in dealing with the issue, the judge felt.
Further, Justice Reddy opined that emergency centres should be opened near places where frequent road accidents occur. The court observed that corruption and bribery has also led to an increase in violation of traffic rules. “Despite knowing that permits are being misused and traffic violations are let off by taking bribes, departments concerned are taking no action. The authorities concerned should act honestly if they are serious about dealing with this important issue,” the Judge said.
Vision plan for victims of human trafficking
The high court on Wednesday directed the authorities to frame an effective ‘vision plan’ with long-term solutions for victims of human trafficking.
The court was hearing a case related to a woman from Jharkhand, who was brought to Bengaluru and then sold to a brothel in Mumbai. She was later abandoned in Bengaluru as she was suffering from deadly diseases.
“It is high time that effective steps are taken before it is too late as it may happen to anyone,” the court observed, addressing the officials from various departments, including police, women and child welfare and social welfare, who were present for the case.
