Dr. S. Rajasekaran, Director of Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore, had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in 2012, highlighting critical gaps in road safety infrastructure and enforcement in India.
In response, the Supreme Court, in a significant verdict delivered on 7th September 2025, directed immediate road safety reforms across the country. The order was passed by the Bench of Justices Pardiwala and Viswanathan, acting upon a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Dr. S. Rajasekaran in 2012.
This marks a significant victory for the nation, achieved through the persistent efforts of Coimbatore-based Dr. Rajasekaran.
Core Issues Highlighted in the PIL
According to the petitioner, 90% of road safety issues stem from the lack of strict enforcement of safety rules and the absence of strict penalties for traffic violations. The PIL emphasised the urgent need for systemic reforms to reduce fatalities and protect vulnerable road users, especially pedestrians.
The Court addressed five key areas in its directive:
- Pedestrian safety on footpaths
- Safe pedestrian crossings
- Helmet enforcement
- Wrong-lane driving and unsafe overtaking
- Use of dazzling LED headlights, unauthorised red-blue strobe lights, and hooters
Staggering Road Accident Statistics
Citing the publication “Road Accidents in India 2023” by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the verdict noted 1,72,890 deaths in road accidents across the country in 2023, including 35,221 pedestrian fatalities—an increase of 7.3% from 2022. Pedestrians accounted for 20.4% of total road accident deaths in India that year.
Legal Empowerment and Enforcement Measures
The Supreme Court observed that Sections 201 and 210B of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, empower authorities to prohibit and penalise misuse of footpaths, pedestrian zones, illegal parking, vending, and encroachments.
Recognising that safe and encroachment-free footpaths are essential for pedestrian movement, the Court directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), State Governments, and municipal authorities to ensure proper construction of footpaths and safe pedestrian crossings.
Authorities must also identify accident-prone areas near schools, hospitals, and markets, and ensure compliance with Indian Roads Congress (IRC) Guidelines for Pedestrian Safety (IRC 103-2022). Additionally, safety audits must be conducted in 50 major cities, and all footpath encroachments must be removed.
Stricter Implementation and Accountability
The Court issued several critical enforcement and accountability directives:
- E-enforcement of helmet laws, with States required to submit reports on penalties, fines, and licence suspensions.
- Regulation of high-intensity LED headlights, red-blue flashers, and hooters.
- Establishment of online grievance redressal systems for complaints related to pedestrian infrastructure.
Furthermore, under Section 198A of the Motor Vehicles Act, officials and contractors may be held personally liable for pedestrian deaths resulting from poor road design or maintenance.
Next Steps
The Bench has directed that progress reports be submitted within seven months for review, ensuring sustained monitoring and accountability.
