Heavy Penalties and Strict Enforcement Can Ease Traffic In Indore, Says High Court

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): While making some oral observations and suggestions regarding steps required to be taken for regulating the increasing chaotic vehicular traffic in Indore, Madhya Pradesh High Court on Tuesday reserved its order on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Rajlaxmi Foundation.

The PIL, heard by a division bench of Justice Vinod Kumar Rusia and Justice Binod Kumar Dwivedi, led to a comprehensive discussion on the city’s traffic issues, with key civic and law enforcement officials present.

District collector Asheesh Singh, police commissioner Santosh Singh, municipal commissioner Shivam Verma and mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav—who appeared as amicus curiae—were in attendance.

Court calls for “cleanliness model” strictness in traffic management

Drawing parallels with Indore’s remarkable transformation in cleanliness rankings, the bench remarked, “When Indore can be number one in cleanliness through public cooperation and strict penalties, then why not in traffic discipline?” The judges emphasised that heavy penalties, strict enforcement and consistent awareness are the only paths to improvement.

The judges orally recommended revoking driving licences after repeated red-light violations, collecting pending challans through vehicle insurance renewal, and even exploring real-time fine recovery via FastTag systems.

E-rickshaws and delivery riders under scrutiny

The court expressed serious concern over the unregulated operation of e-rickshaws and online delivery agents. It stressed the need for strict identity verification, proper licensing, and route regulation for e-rickshaws. Judges pointed out that these groups often flout traffic rules, including frequent red-light jumping and lack both accountability and oversight.

“The children riding in e-rickshaws have no safety, no uniforms are provided and we don’t even know the background of these drivers,” the bench observed. Similar concerns were raised about online delivery personnel, urging identification checks and stricter enforcement.

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Signal malfunctions, encroachment and poor enforcement highlighted

The PIL filed by Rajlaxmi Foundation also spotlighted issues like malfunctioning traffic signals, road encroachments and the growing menace of unregulated roadside parking. The bench sought updates on these from local authorities.

Collector Asheesh Singh assured the court that a real-time traffic survey was underway to evaluate one-way roads, road widening and closed traffic cuts. He said a proposal was in progress to allow spot-fining for roadside encroachment by shopkeepers.

Senior advocate Ajay Bagaria criticised the passive behaviour of traffic police, stating that “officers stand at corners glued to their mobile phones instead of managing intersections.” He suggested more proactive enforcement, referencing a model example at the High Court signal post.

Hooters, wrong number plates, and VIP culture slammed

The judges further raised issues with hooters on private vehicles and misleading number plates. “People write 'former' in tiny letters and flaunt big titles on their vehicles. This misuse must stop,” the bench remarked.

They demanded accountability from traffic constables, especially in areas with high e-challan numbers. “If more red-light violations are happening at a signal, the on-duty constable must be questioned,” the bench asserted.

"There must be fear of the law"

In a stern message, the High Court concluded by saying that fear of consequences is essential for law enforcement to be effective. “Only when people fear strict penalties will behaviour change,” the judges said.

Need for regulations for e-rickshaw operations: Mayor

Pushyamitra Bhargav, who was present in the court as amicus curiae, proposed launching an e-mobile court to penalise violators, especially shopkeepers who encroach on public roads. He emphasised the need for clear regulations for e-rickshaw operations in accordance with both central and state policies. He also spoke about ongoing initiatives like the Traffic Mitra volunteer programme, mechanised parking solutions and free learner’s licences for women.