The Chhattisgarh High Court has strongly criticized the Bilaspur Police for their failure to confiscate luxury cars that were illegally parked on National Highway-130. The incident involved a group who organized a late-night photoshoot, blocking the highway to create social media reels.
The High Court's rebuke highlights the serious concerns regarding public nuisance and obstruction of roadways. The court questioned why the police did not seize the vehicles involved in the illegal act. This incident is not isolated, as the court has previously addressed similar issues, including instances of roads being blocked for birthday celebrations.
In a related case, the Chhattisgarh High Court directed the Chief Secretary to submit a personal affidavit explaining the continued occurrences of public nuisance and road obstruction, particularly those involving birthday celebrations on public roads, despite earlier court directives. This order was issued during the hearing of a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that was registered after a video went viral showing the wife of a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) celebrating her birthday on the hood of a private vehicle equipped with a blue beacon. The video depicted the DSP's wife cutting a cake on the vehicle's hood while other women dangerously hung from the doors and sunroof. The car, reportedly belonging to a DSP posted in Balrampur-Ramanujganj district, was illegally fitted with a blue beacon. The incident occurred near a hotel in Ambikapur.
Following the circulation of the video, the Saragwan police initiated an investigation and filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the driver under Sections 177, 184, and 281 of the Motor Vehicles Act for traffic violations. The PIL was initially registered on January 29, 2025, following a similar road blockage incident for a birthday celebration. At that time, the court instructed the Chief Secretary to provide a personal affidavit detailing the actions taken and preventive measures implemented. The court voiced strong concern over the filing of an FIR against an "unknown driver," especially when the individuals involved, including the DSP's wife and her friends, were clearly identifiable in the video. The court also sought clarification on the authority under which a blue beacon was mounted on a private vehicle and what actions had been taken against those responsible.
These incidents raise significant questions about the enforcement of traffic laws and the accountability of law enforcement officials. The High Court's intervention underscores the need for stricter measures to prevent such obstructions and ensure public safety on highways. It also brings to light the issue of misuse of authority and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their position. The court's demand for an explanation from the Chief Secretary reflects its commitment to addressing these systemic issues and ensuring that previous court orders are effectively implemented.