Seat‑Belt Ruling: Dr. Jothydev Kesavadev Praises SC's Remarks Calling It Landmark Step In Saving Lives
Having travelled extensively across India and abroad for scientific events, Dr. Jothydev noted a troubling fact: in over 80% of taxis and cabs, the rear seat belts are virtually unusable
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Renowned diabetologist and researcher Dr. Jothydev Kesavadev praised the Supreme Court’s recent remarks on seat-belt compliance, calling it “a landmark step in saving lives on Indian roads.”
Quoting the court’s observation that “seat belts are not a formality, they are about saving lives,” he recalled how the matter had been central to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) he filed earlier. Having travelled extensively across India and abroad for scientific events, Dr. Jothydev noted a troubling fact: in over 80% of taxis and cabs, the rear seat belts are virtually unusable.
“In many cases, the issue is surprisingly straightforward. An extra seat cover has been placed over the original seat, hiding the seat belt buckle. The belt might technically be there, but passengers can’t actually use it,” he explained. When he asks drivers to make the belt accessible, the response is often dismissive: “Don’t worry, sir, police only check the front seat belt.”
Official data shows that in 2023, 16,025 people died in India without wearing seat belts, including 7,584 passengers. In 2024, almost 80% of car occupant deaths involved those not wearing seat belts, with rear seat usage reportedly at just around 5%. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says wearing a seat belt can cut the risk of death for vehicle occupants by up to 50%.
Dr. Jothydev’s PIL, filed through advocate Wills Mathews, called for proper enforcement of existing safety rules — Section 194B of the Motor Vehicles Act and Rule 138(3) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules — instead of creating new legislation. It also pointed out that modifications like fancy seat covers and accessories can make safety equipment hard to use. The Bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, stressed that seat belts are “not a formality” but vital life-saving devices, directing enforcement agencies to ensure strict compliance and urging authorities to look into gaps in implementation.
