Justice Devan Ramachandran's official vehicle falls into pothole, tyre busted; 'whom should people depend on?,' asks High Court

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has come down heavily on the administration for its apathy despite the poor condition of roads leading to several deaths. Justice Devan Ramachandran said that every life is precious and keeping one's eyes closed doesn't make it nighttime. An explanation has been sought from the Public Works Department (PWD) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on the condition of roads in the state.

"Despite having so many engineers and officials under the Public Works Department, there is no solution in terms of potholes on the road. The government says it is doing maximum work and respecting the court's directions. However, despite reports of accidental deaths and several orders of the court, nothing is happening. If people question whom should they depend on now, they can't be blamed."

The tyre of Justice Devan Ramachandran's official vehicle had busted after falling into a ditch on the Thrissur-Kunnamkulam road. Two other judges too had a similar experience. "There are many people who have died and are injured in such accidents. There are no warning boards about the risk. Don't the vehicles pay road tax and cess?.. Media reports on accidents are being collected. Many letters are being received seeking intervention in the matter of roads. The officers have excuses to make. They pretend not to see the roads within their own limits becoming a death knell. If we don't intervene further, the courts will be judged as a failure by history," the court said. The government pleader assured that the court's concern over the plight of roads would be conveyed to the government.

Thrissur Collector should inform reason

The government said that two public works employees were suspended earlier regarding the Thrissur-Kunnamkulam road. The court said that those who came after that also could not do anything. The Thrissur Collector should explain the reason within a week to avoid contempt of court action. The progress of the maintenance work of the national highway, which was damaged in connection with the construction of the Aroor-Thuravoor flyover, should also be informed next week.