Plea in Delhi HC calls for suspension of camera challans for red light violations

New Delhi (India), May 10 (ANI): A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking to direct the Union Home Ministry and Delhi Police to to suspend issuance of challans by the cameras for red light violations Delhi until the COVID-19 situation improves in Delhi.

“Due to the deterrence of drivers standing in front of ambulances at a traffic light, fearful of the consequences of either crossing the red light or even crossing the “STOP” line to allow the ambulance to pass, the ambulances are not arriving “You have your right of way and must stand for crucial minutes at every traffic light where such a camera is installed,” the lawsuit says.

The plaintiff, Utkarsh Trivedi, a law student, who had filed a case through advocate Satyam Singh, sought direction to the respondents to either suspend the use or issue of challans during the lockdown imposed in Delhi or until the COVID-19 situation improves better to cancel.

“Failure to hang appropriate cameras at traffic lights will result in irreparable loss of life and violation of the right to health under Article 21 of the Constitution of India,” the petition further said.

The complaint further stated that in the current situation, seriously ill patients with disabilities traveling in ambulances cannot enjoy the full services of a hospital nor have adequate mechanisms to enforce their right to health. The basis of the Motor Vehicle Act is to ensure that lives are saved on the road. However, using the same cameras wastes crucial time on the roads, it said.

The bench of Justice DN Patel and Justice Jasmeet Singh is scheduled to hear the PIL on Tuesday. (ANI)