Rajasthan HC Issues Notice On PIL To Stop Plying Of Overloaded Trucks, Dumpers In Two Districts
The Jaipur bench of the Rajasthan High Court issued notice on a public interest litigation petition seeking a direction to the authorities to stop the plying of overburdened trucks and dumpers operating in Neem Ka Thana and Kotputli-Behror districts.A division bench of Justice Inderjeet Singh and Justice Maneesh Sharma in its order said, "Heard. Issue notice to the respondents, returnable by...
The Jaipur bench of the Rajasthan High Court issued notice on a public interest litigation petition seeking a direction to the authorities to stop the plying of overburdened trucks and dumpers operating in Neem Ka Thana and Kotputli-Behror districts.
A division bench of Justice Inderjeet Singh and Justice Maneesh Sharma in its order said, "Heard. Issue notice to the respondents, returnable by four weeks. Office is directed to show the name of Mr. S.S. Naruka, AAG in the cause list as counsel for respondents".
The respondents in the matter includes the Union of India through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the State of Rajasthan. The plea moved by one 'Khannan Grast Sangharsh Samiti', claiming that the unchecked movement of overloaded dumpers and trucks in the districts had led to frequent accidents as well as caused damage to roads in the region.
The petition highlighted the grave impact of such vehicles on public safety, infrastructure, and overall civic life in the region. The plea states that the petitioners are group of villagers whose individual members are based in the two districts have been agitating for years against the movement of overloaded vehicles in the region.
It was submitted that these trucks and dumpers, often carrying loads far beyond permissible limits, had led to frequent road accidents, resulting in loss of life and serious injuries, leaving highways and arterial roads in a state of disrepair. Despite repeated representations and appeals no tangible action had been taken.
Furthermore, attention was also drawn towards the Supreme Court case of Paramjeet Bhasin & Ors. v Union of India & Ors, (2005), wherein the Apex Court had categorically stated that compounding of overloaded vehicle would not give an automatic pass to the offender to continue plying the overloaded vehicle; such a vehicle can only ply once owner/driver has paid the penalty and has offloaded the excess weight at their own cost.
After hearing the petition, the Court issued notice to both the Central and State governments.
Title: Khannan Grast Sangharsh Samiti v Union of India
For Petitioner(s): Mr. Anshuman Singh
For Respondent(s): Mr. R.D. Rastogi, ASG; Mr. Samaksh Dasot, CGPC; Mr. Chinmay Sharma; Mr. S.S. Naruka, AAG