Kerala High Court Notifies Directions For Road Safety Amid Rising Accidents Involving Sabarimala Pilgrims
Kerala High Court Notifies Directions For Road Safety Amid Rising Accidents Involving Sabarimala Pilgrims
Background:
Sabarimala is a prominent pilgrimage site in Kerala, attracting millions of devotees annually. The pilgrimage route passes through challenging mountainous terrain with narrow, winding roads. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in road accidents involving pilgrims, often resulting in fatalities and serious injuries. This alarming trend prompted the Kerala High Court to intervene and issue directions aimed at enhancing road safety for the pilgrims.
Key Issues:
High incidence of road accidents on pilgrimage routes
Inadequate safety measures and infrastructure
Lack of awareness and regulation enforcement among pilgrims and transport operators
Need for government and administrative intervention
Kerala High Court’s Directions:
In response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) or suo moto cognizance, the Kerala High Court issued comprehensive directions, which include:
Improvement of Road Infrastructure:
Widening and repairing narrow stretches on the pilgrimage route.
Installation of crash barriers and proper signboards at dangerous curves.
Regular maintenance and inspection of roads leading to Sabarimala.
Traffic Regulation and Management:
Restricting the entry of heavy vehicles and ensuring dedicated lanes for pilgrims.
Deployment of adequate traffic police personnel during peak pilgrimage seasons.
Imposing speed limits and conducting random vehicle fitness checks.
Awareness and Safety Campaigns:
Government and local bodies to conduct awareness drives for pilgrims on road safety.
Strict regulation of pilgrim transport vehicles ensuring they meet safety standards.
Emergency Response:
Setting up emergency medical response units and first aid stations along the route.
Quick response teams for accident sites to reduce mortality.
Monitoring and Accountability:
Formation of a special task force to monitor implementation of safety measures.
Regular reporting to the High Court on compliance status.
Relevant Case Law:
While the Kerala High Court’s directions are specific to the Sabarimala situation, the principles guiding the Court’s intervention are grounded in established case law concerning road safety, public interest, and State’s responsibility.
Municipal Corporation of Delhi v. Subhagwanti, AIR 1966 SC 1753
The Supreme Court held that the State has a non-delegable duty to ensure the safety of its citizens, especially in public places and roads. Failure to maintain roads safely amounts to a violation of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
State of Punjab v. Gurmit Singh, (1996) 2 SCC 384
This landmark case emphasized that the right to life under Article 21 includes the right to live with human dignity, which implies that the State must take reasonable steps to protect citizens from road accidents and fatalities.
Paschim Banga Khet Mazdoor Samity & Ors v. State of West Bengal, (1996) 4 SCC 37
The Supreme Court underscored the obligation of the State to take proactive measures in providing a safe environment for its citizens, especially in high-risk zones like pilgrimage routes or highways prone to accidents.
M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (Vehicular Pollution Case), AIR 1998 SC 1037
This case established the principle of “sustainable development” and placed responsibility on the government for preventing hazards arising from human activities, including road safety regulations.
Legal and Social Implications:
The Kerala High Court’s directions underscore the State’s positive obligation to ensure safety and welfare during mass gatherings.
It reflects judicial activism in enforcing public safety and balancing religious freedoms with public health concerns.
The Court’s intervention also highlights the need for a multi-disciplinary approach involving public administration, transport authorities, health services, and the judiciary.
Summary:
The Kerala High Court, recognizing the increase in road accidents involving Sabarimala pilgrims, has issued detailed directions focusing on infrastructure improvement, traffic management, safety awareness, emergency preparedness, and monitoring mechanisms. These directions are well supported by constitutional principles and Supreme Court jurisprudence emphasizing the State’s duty to protect life and ensure public safety.
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