The Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of a tragic incident in Indore in which a truck entered a restricted residential zone and caused multiple fatalities and injuries. The Court summoned the Police Commissioner of Indore to appear via video conference and provide an explanation regarding the lapses that allowed the incident to occur. The bench observed that the event reflected a serious failure in law enforcement and traffic regulation, especially since heavy vehicles are prohibited from entering no-entry zones during peak hours.
The Court noted that according to reports and video evidence, the truck had travelled a considerable distance through a densely populated area, colliding with several vehicles and pedestrians before catching fire. The accident resulted in the death of three persons and injuries to several others. The bench expressed concern that the police had failed to prevent the entry of heavy vehicles into restricted zones despite prior directions and the existence of road safety mechanisms. The judges remarked that the incident was not an isolated one but part of a broader pattern of negligence and weak enforcement of traffic laws.
Initiating proceedings in the nature of Public Interest Litigation, the Court sought accountability from the city’s police administration. It directed the Police Commissioner to file a detailed report explaining the circumstances leading to the tragedy and the steps being taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The bench emphasized that mere issuance of traffic advisories or post-incident actions would not suffice; systemic and preventive measures must be implemented at the ground level.
The High Court also took note of a report submitted by the Amicus Curiae, which highlighted a series of recent road accidents in Indore linked to lax enforcement and alleged instances of police personnel engaging in misconduct, including driving under the influence. The Court expressed strong dissatisfaction with the State authorities’ lack of progress in implementing previously issued judicial directives concerning road safety, traffic management, and the prohibition of unauthorized vehicles in restricted zones.
In response to these findings, the bench ordered the Police Commissioner to review and implement several remedial measures suggested by the Amicus Curiae. These include stricter surveillance of no-entry areas, installation of additional CCTV cameras in accident-prone zones, placement of reflective traffic signage, and establishment of a community-based reporting system to flag violations. The Court directed the Police Commissioner to submit a comprehensive compliance report and action plan at the next hearing.
The order underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring accountability in matters of public safety and the enforcement of road laws. It also highlights the responsibility of senior police leadership to actively monitor and enforce traffic regulations. The Madhya Pradesh High Court’s intervention in the Indore truck rampage case signals a broader judicial effort to hold administrative authorities answerable for recurring failures in maintaining road safety and protecting citizens from preventable tragedies.
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