M C MEHTA Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) An interim report has been received from Mr Bhure Lal. He is granted eight weeks' time to furnish a further report. He is also requested to see that surprise checks are carried out as directed in our order dated 22-1 l-2001.

(2.) Mr Mukul Rohatgi, learned Additional Solicitor General states that the government of India, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has sent a communication dated 23-11-2001 to the Secretaries/commissioners of all the state Governments and Union Territories as well as to the Directors General of Police of the respective State Governments to the effect that it should be ensured that the driver and the person seated in the front seat wear the seat belts while the vehicle is in motion.

(3.) According to the Union of India, therefore, all over India, this requirement has to be complied with, namely, the passenger sitting in the front seat and the driver must compulsorily wear the seat belts. Mr Rakesh dwivedi, learned Senior Counsel draws our attention to a public notice which has been issued by the Government of NCT, Delhi wherein it has been stated that the driver and the person seated in the front seat of the motor vehicle are required to wear seat belts while the vehicle is in motion and any person who contravenes this provision of law is liable to be punished under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.