Will register suo moto case against vehicles that flout traffic laws; High Court issues stern warning

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Tuesday said that it would register suo moto cases against the vehicles that hit the road violating traffic rules. The division bench comprising Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice Harishankar V Menon clarified the stand citing various incidents, including the one in which Akash Thillankeri—the accused in the Shuhaib murder case—was seen flouting traffic laws while driving a modified jeep in Wayanad.

The court directed the Motor Vehicle Department to seize the vehicle driven by Akash Thillankeri. The court further ruled that automobiles that pose a risk to the public ought not to be on the road. A visual of Akash travelling through Wayanad in a smoke-spewing jeep was also shown in the court.

The court also took into account the incident where three female students were hit by a private bus at a zebra crossing in Madapally, Kozhikode. The court asked whether the law did not apply to carriage vehicles.

Tourist buses with LED display lights should be seized and produced before the magistrate. A fine of Rs 5000 should be levied for each light. The court pointed out incidents where some vehicles were running illegally with government boards. It also brought up the incident where a Malabar Devaswom vehicle was seen running along the sidewalk.

The Transport Secretary, Union Finance Ministry, Surface Transport Ministry, State Government, Transport Commissioner and State Police Chief will be made opposite parties in the case. The court will again take up the matter on Thursday.