Chhattisgarh High Court Slams State For 'Eye-Wash' Action Against Road Hooliganism, Seeks Fresh Affidavit From Chief Secretary
The Chhattisgarh High Court has expressed dissatisfaction towards the steps taken by the State officials to curb hooliganism on the roads, which is caused primarily by reckless drivers performing and recording stunts, and others celebrating birthdays on the roads.The Court, on October 13, had directed the Chief Secretary of State to file personal affidavit regarding two incidents reported in...
The Chhattisgarh High Court has expressed dissatisfaction towards the steps taken by the State officials to curb hooliganism on the roads, which is caused primarily by reckless drivers performing and recording stunts, and others celebrating birthdays on the roads.
The Court, on October 13, had directed the Chief Secretary of State to file personal affidavit regarding two incidents reported in a Hindi daily—one, where the police was reported to have taken action against dangerous stunts being performed on Barsoor bridge, and the other concerning the wife of a close associate of the Health Minister, who was seen cutting her birthday cake on a car bonnet with fireworks being set off on the public road.
In the affidavit submitted by the Chief Secretary, the video regarding stunts being performed on the Barsoor bridge was stated to be a 2023 video which had resurfaced in 2025. Nonetheless, the police tracked the vehicle and imposed a penalty Rs.2,000 against the erring vehicle and Rs.300 on the concerned person.
With respect to the latter incident of cutting cake on the bonnet of the car, the affidavit stated that offences were registered under Section 285 [Danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation], 125 [Act endangering life or personal safety of others], 3(5) [criminal act is done by several persons in furtherance of the common intention of all] of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 122 [Leaving vehicle in dangerous position] and 177 [General provisions for punishment of offences] of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, against the concerned persons. In both cases, the process of suspension of driving license was also stated to be initiated.
It was further stated that the Director General of Police had issued clear directions to all Senior Superintendents of Police and Superintendents of Police of various districts across Chhattisgarh to undertake all necessary efforts with respect to discouraging the public about performing stunts or celebrating birthdays on the road, and subsequently take prompt action against erring persons and to further spread awareness among the public at large. Apart from scaling up the law enforcement efforts, the field officials were also stated to have been directed to elicit public participation and community activities and involve elected representatives and media personnel.
Expressing dismay at the steps taken by the State, a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru remarked,
“… it appears that the two incidents mentioned therein and the action purportedly taken by the State are only an eye-wash. If such action is what the State considers adequate for violations of rules and regulations under the law, it would only demonstrate a careless effort on the part of the authorities, lacking seriousness to check such incidents wherein highways and public streets are being used for celebrating birthdays by affluent individuals as well as others. As pointed out by the Chief Secretary in his affidavit, certain actions have been initiated; however, this Court is not satisfied with the same.”
Accordingly, the Court directed the Chief Secretary to file a fresh affidavit disclosing the further steps taken by the State to curb repetition of such incidents. It stated,
“We hope and trust that the State shall act more consciously and by strict action as would be truly deterrent against those who commit such offences and violate the law, displaying the might of their money and power.”
The matter is now listed for hearing on 21.11.2025.
Case Details:
Case Number: WPPIL No. 21 of 2025
Case Title: In the matter of Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation versus State of Chhattisgarh & Others