The Supreme Court stated on Wednesday that sufficient laws already require the use of seat belts when a vehicle is in motion, and it is the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to ensure these rules are followed.
The remark was made by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, while hearing a petition that sought directions to make the wearing of seat belts in vehicles mandatory.
Counsel for the petitioner informed the bench that many deaths and injuries from road accidents could be avoided if the legal requirement to wear seat belts were properly followed. He added that, despite this law, numerous vehicles have seat belts that do not work because of decorative seat covers or other modifications.
The bench observed that the law on seat belts is unequivocal, stating that the real issue lies in its implementation. It questioned how authorities could guarantee that every citizen and every driver in the country adheres to the requirement.
The Supreme Court directed the petitioner to submit his recommendations on the matter to the appropriate authority, noting that it is the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance.
Citing Rule 138(3) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, the bench stated that it mandates the driver, the front-seat passenger, and those seated in front-facing rear seats to wear seat belts whenever the vehicle is in motion.
The petitioner’s counsel contended that public negligence and inadequate law enforcement result in severe injuries and even fatalities in road accidents nationwide.
The bench noted that there are adequate laws concerning road safety measures, including wearing of seat belts while a vehicle is in motion.
It stated that when individuals do not comply with the law, or when law enforcement agencies fail to take appropriate action against offenders, the issue essentially concerns the maintenance of law and order.
The bench concluded the petition while granting the petitioner the liberty to send a copy of his petition to the relevant authority for consideration of the suggestions he had made.