GYAN PRAKASH Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) A very important issue has been raised in this petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution of India. In short, the issue is about the safety of our National Highways. It is pointed out in this petition, based on the report titled "Road Accidents in India - 2017", that 53,181 persons were killed during the year 2017 on highways in India. Attention of the Court was invited to the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002 (for short, 'the 2002 Act') and the Highway Administration Rules, 2004 (for short, 'the 2004 Rules'). The prayers made are very wide. Although there may be some limitations on the writ Court in granting some of the prayers, nevertheless, the issues raised are very important in the context of highway safety.

(2.) We have heard the petitioner appearing in person, Ms. Swati Ghildiyal, the learned counsel appointed as amicus curiae, Shri K M Nataraj, the learned Additional Solicitor General and Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy, an intervenor, appearing in person, who is a Member of Parliament. Paragraph Nos. 1 to 7 of the order dtd. 20/2/2024, passed by this Court read thus:

(3.) The learned amicus curiae has filed detailed notes dtd. 5/10/2024 and 4/11/2024.