The Chhattisgarh High Court (HC) has observed that the police act stringently against the poor and middle-class, but become “toothless tigers” when handling cases involving affluent or influential individuals. The remarks came during a suo motu hearing regarding dangerous stunts and reckless driving by youths on public roads.
Affluent Youths Perform Risky Stunts on NH-49
The HC took notice of an incident on NH-49 in Bilaspur, where a group of youngsters heading to a party in Lawar village were seen hanging out of car windows and sunroofs, creating traffic chaos on Masturi Road.
Despite media reports highlighting the dangerous behavior, the police response was considered insufficient.
Police Criticized for Differential Treatment
The HC bench, consisting of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru, pointed out that:
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Affluent offenders often escape with nominal fines, and their vehicles are quickly released.
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Poor or marginalized individuals face strict enforcement and harsh penalties.
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Earlier interventions by the HC in February failed to prevent recurrence of such reckless acts.
“The action taken by the police is merely an eye wash. Stringent laws under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, or other applicable regulations must be applied uniformly to serve as a deterrent,” the bench observed.
18 Cars Seized, Strict Action Ordered
Following the incident, 18 vehicles were seized by the police, and preventive measures, including driving license cancellation recommendations, were initiated.
The HC directed that the seized cars must not be released without its permission and ordered the Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh to submit an affidavit detailing further actions beyond the Motor Vehicles Act.
Court Urges Stronger Legal Action
The bench emphasized that offences like these, which endanger the lives of commuters, must invite strict punishment under Indian law:
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Harsher penalties for reckless driving and stunts
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Uniform enforcement for both affluent and marginalized offenders
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Preventive measures to discourage future violations
“The police must act decisively to make such actions a lesson for life, ensuring road safety for all,” the court said.
Key Highlights
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Incident on NH-49, Bilaspur involving reckless driving by affluent youths
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18 cars seized; preventive action initiated
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Differential enforcement: leniency for rich, tough on poor
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HC directs strict implementation of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
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Next hearing scheduled for September 23, 2025
