The Gujarat High Court has questioned the state government over the failure to enforce mandatory helmet rules in Ahmedabad, while also seeking explanations on daytime dumper movement and the use of mobile phones by motorists. The court has asked the authorities to respond at the next hearing, scheduled after two weeks.
The observations were made during a suo motu hearing on Ahmedabad’s traffic management and long-term planning. The proceedings followed a writ petition concerning the Panjrapole flyover, after which the court began examining wider road-safety and traffic-administration issues in the city.
A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manas Ranjan Pathak and Justice Nikhil Kariel raised the issues while hearing submissions from the state government. The report by Nav Gujarat Samay said the government’s chief government pleader, G.H. Virk, placed an affidavit before the court describing various measures being undertaken by the authorities.
The bench asked why Ahmedabad was not enforcing the mandatory helmet requirement. It noted that the administration was carrying out hotspot identification and risk analysis, but questioned why those efforts had not resulted in enforcement of the helmet rule. The court also observed that, to its knowledge, Gujarat could be the only state where the rule was not being implemented in the same manner.
The court referred to the requirement for both two-wheeler riders and pillion passengers to wear helmets. It also expressed concern that even riders were frequently seen without helmets, describing the situation as a serious public-safety issue. The observations were made orally during the hearing, and the government has been asked to clarify its position at the next hearing.
The bench separately questioned how dumpers carrying materials such as sand and cement were travelling on city roads during the daytime despite restrictions. It said such vehicles appeared to be operating without effective control and referred to accidents in which people were losing their lives. The court also raised concerns that the number plates of these dumpers were often not visible, making identification and enforcement more difficult.
The third issue concerned the use of mobile phones while driving. The court said many car drivers appeared to use mobile phones while driving and referred not only to calls but also to people watching films on phones placed on dashboards. It questioned how drivers could remain focused on the road while using devices in this manner.
The bench noted that when such drivers cause crashes, the consequences can fall on two-wheeler riders and pedestrians even when the driver of the car is not seriously injured. The comments placed helmet compliance, heavy-vehicle regulation and distracted driving within the same traffic-safety review.
The court also referred to questions reportedly asked by judges visiting from other states about the absence of visible helmet compliance in Gujarat. It said appeals to civic sense alone would not resolve the issue and indicated that the authorities needed to explain the enforcement position.
The state government is expected to provide its response on the three issues at the next hearing in approximately two weeks. The court’s further directions will determine whether the hearing results in specific enforcement measures or additional reporting requirements from the authorities.
