In Bilaspur, the Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha has expressed strong disapproval of the police response to a recent incident involving car stunts on Masturi Road. The court’s disapproval has resulted in an order that the 18 cars seized by the police will not be released without the court’s express authorization. The court’s criticism focused on the perceived bias in the police’s application of the law, specifically noting that enforcement appears to be harsher on the poor and marginalized compared to those with wealth or political connections. The Advocate General, Prafull Bharat, informed the division bench that the police had registered cases under the Motor Vehicles Act and impounded the vehicles involved in the stunt driving. The authorities had also recommended the suspension of the drivers’ licenses. The court also referenced its previous involvement, having taken note of such incidents on February 3rd, and having received various affidavits outlining steps taken by the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police of Chhattisgarh to address the issue of reckless behavior on the roads. The Chief Justice, during a Public Interest Litigation hearing, reiterated concerns about the apparent disparity in how the police treat offenders, with a tendency to be more lenient towards those with wealth and influence. The court questioned why the police were not using the relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 2023, or other strict laws against offenders whose reckless actions put other road users at risk. The court asserted that the police’s actions should serve as a deterrent. In the current case, the court viewed the police’s response as inadequate and ordered that the seized vehicles remain impounded until the court gives its permission for release. The division bench has requested that the Chief Secretary of the Chhattisgarh government submit an affidavit describing the actions taken against the offenders. The next hearing is slated for September 23, 2025. The court has directed the state government’s legal representative to immediately furnish a copy of the order to the Chief Secretary, Chhattisgarh Government, Raipur, for their information and necessary follow-up. The incident involved young people on their way to a birthday party at a farmhouse in Gram Lawar. They were recorded performing dangerous stunts on Masturi Road, including hanging out of car windows, driving recklessly, and causing a traffic obstruction on National Highway 49. The police, after receiving reports, seized 18 cars from the Masturi area and initiated legal action against those involved.
.jpeg "Featured Image")
