Chief Justice Slams Police on Stunt Driving Case, Car Seizures Extended

Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha has sharply criticized the actions of police officers in response to a series of car stunts performed on Masturi Road, Bilaspur. As a direct result of the court’s dissatisfaction, it has been ordered that the 18 cars seized by the police will remain impounded until the court grants permission for their release. The court expressed its disapproval, highlighting that the police’s enforcement appeared to disproportionately target the poor, middle class, and marginalized, while those with wealth and influence often received more lenient treatment. Advocate General Prafull Bharat told the division bench that the police had filed charges under the Motor Vehicles Act and seized the vehicles used in the stunts. Furthermore, recommendations had been made to revoke the driving licenses of the car owners. The court also noted that it had previously addressed similar incidents on February 3rd, and had received multiple affidavits outlining the measures taken by the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Chhattisgarh, to address the problem of reckless behavior on roads. During a Public Interest Litigation hearing, the Chief Justice emphasized the court’s concern about the unequal application of justice, noting that the police often treat wealthy offenders with greater leniency. The court questioned why the police weren’t pursuing charges under the relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 2023, or other applicable laws, against those whose reckless driving endangers the lives of others. The court emphasized that the police action must serve as a strong deterrent. In the current case, the court viewed the police action as insufficient and therefore ordered the continued seizure of the vehicles. The division bench has directed the Chief Secretary of the Chhattisgarh government to file an affidavit detailing the actions taken against the offenders. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for September 23, 2025. The court has instructed the state government’s counsel to immediately provide a copy of the order to the Chief Secretary, Chhattisgarh Government, Raipur, for information and necessary action. The incident involved youths who were en route to a birthday celebration at a farmhouse in Gram Lawar. They were filmed performing stunts on Masturi Road, including dangerous maneuvers, reckless driving, and creating a traffic obstruction on National Highway 49. Following reports, the police impounded 18 cars from the Masturi area and initiated legal proceedings against those involved.