Thiruvananthapuram, Feb10 (BPNS)
The Kerala High Court on Friday suo motu considered a road accident case that resulted in the death of a 50-year-old man.
The accident occurred at one of the busiest junctions of Kochi city -Madhava Pharmacy Junction (PNVM Junction) – allegedly because of a speeding bus, driven recklessly. The police had registered a case against the driver under section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Indian Penal Code.
The deceased was Antony of Vypin. As per eyewitness accounts, Antony who was riding a motorcycle got hit by a bus that came carelessly on the left side. In the impact, Antony came under the wheels of the bus and died on the spot. The driver of the bus Deepu Kumar fled from the spot after the accident.
Upon coming to know of the incident through amicus curiae Vinod Bhat, Justice Devan Ramachandran observed that ‘Their (drivers) recklessness and the abject disdain for even orders of this Court are now so glaring, that it cannot lose sight of.’
The court had earlier summoned the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), Kochi city, to be personally present ‘to interact with him.’
The officer then informed the court that the accident could have been easily averted if the bus driver had been more careful.
According to him, the drivers are still obdurately very negligent and rash; and hence that certain additional instructions have been now given including that none of the buses will be allowed to overtake within the lane; and that they will have to maintain the left one consistently.
” An instruction has also been given to ensure that all the buses maintain the speed limit within the city, namely, 35 kms per hour, without blaring horns and with the pneumatic doors kept closed during the journey,” said the officer.
Meanwhile, the senior government pleader informed the court that even though the police officers are taking action in earnest, some sections of the drivers/owners – who are, in fact, vested interests – have now threatened to engage in disruptive activities, including strikes.
To this, the court directed the police to ensure that all the efforts and measures are put into operation from now on, without any reservation; and not to be
constrained by any disruptive forces – including threats of actions like strikes etc.
The court will again consider the matter on February 23. It also directed the senior government pleader to place on record the action report of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in this regard.
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