Supreme Court Directs Strict Enforcement Of Law On Wearing Seat Belts

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed enforcement agencies to strictly implement laws requiring all car occupants to wear seat belts, stressing that the safety measure is both a legal obligation and a moral responsibility towards one’s family. The court criticised lax enforcement and emphasised that authorities cannot overlook violations of rules intended to protect lives.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Bagchi and V Mohana observed that a seat belt should not be treated as a mere formality. The court described it as a life-saving device and underlined that enforcement agencies have a statutory duty to ensure compliance by every occupant of a car. It also stressed the need for authorities to take action against those who violate the mandatory safety requirements.

The observations came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation filed by doctor and researcher Jothydev Kesavadev, represented by advocate Wills Mathews. The plea sought strict enforcement of Section 194B of the Motor Vehicles Act, which provides for a Rs 1,000 fine, along with Rule 138(3) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, under which seat belts are mandatory for car occupants.

Also Read: Supreme Court Says “All Treated Equally” In Rahul Gandhi Defamation Case

The Supreme Court also expressed concern over the failure to ensure compliance among rear-seat passengers. The petitioner argued that several deaths and injuries in road accidents could be prevented through effective implementation of seat belt regulations. The plea referred to the 2022 death of former Tata Sons chairman Cyrus Mistry, who was travelling in the rear seat without a seat belt, highlighting the importance of rear-seat safety.

Justice Bagchi questioned why non-compliance continued despite the availability of technology such as seat-belt alarms and cameras. During the hearing, the amicus told the court that 80 per cent of car occupant deaths in 2024 involved people who were not wearing seat belts, while rear-seat compliance stood at around five per cent despite the requirement having been mandatory since 2005.

The court directed all states and Union territories to submit compliance affidavits detailing the measures being taken to enforce seat belt rules for both front and rear passengers. Authorities have also been asked to provide details of challans issued during the previous year and awareness campaigns conducted to improve compliance. The matter has been posted for further hearing after six weeks, when the court will consider the compliance reports.

Also Read: Supreme Court Clarifies Stand On Criticism Of Judiciary In NCERT-Related Order