PNS n Nainital
Taking cognisance of rampant violations of traffic regulations, the High Court of Uttarakhand has directed that those caught using mobile phone while operating a vehicle should have their driving license cancelled. Further, the high court also directed the State Government to strictly enforce section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act to ensure that two wheeler riders wear ISI approved helmets. The Senior Superintendent of police and circle officer will be responsible for ensuring this. Strict action should also be taken against those found violating the traffic regulations, the high court ordered.
The Government was also directed to take action to prevent vehicle use by juveniles. In addition to this, the Government was also directed to prohibit transport of materials like metal rods, pipes and poles that are longer than the length of the vehicle being used to transport such materials.
According to the case details, Avidit Nauliyal had filed a public interest litigation in the high court stating that the Government was not strictly enforcing sections 128 and 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 due to which accidents are taking place at an alarming rate. Accidents are also being caused due to vehicles transporting materials like poles, pipes and metal roads that are longer than the length of the vehicle being used for transporting these. The petitioner had sought measures to prevent juveniles from operating vehicles.
Hearing the petition, the division bench of justice Rajiv Sharma and justice lokpal Singh directed the state government to strictly enforce the Motor Vehicles Act section 128 (safety measures for drivers and pillion riders) to ensure only one pillion rider and section 129 (wearing of protective headgear).
Regarding the cultivation of cannabis in the mountainous regions and illegal hashish trade, the high court has sought a reply from all District Magistrates and social welfare officers within four weeks. According to the case details, Champawat resident Satish Singh had filed a PIl in the high court stating that the State Government was not doing enough to curtail cannabis cultivation and illegal hashish trade which was proving detrimental to the youth especially school children in the mountainous regions of the State.
The petitioner had stated that he has been using his own resources for holding public meets to raise awareness against hashish and opium abuse.
He had also been submitting reports to the government but no action was being taken in the matter.
Hearing the petition, the division bench of chief justice KM Joseph and justice Sharad Kumar Sharma sought a reply from the state government along with all district magistrates and social welfare officers in four weeks.