Rash and negligent driving has reached a level where even pedestrians on footpaths or in designated public spaces are fatally injured, said HC.

Rash and negligent driving has reached a level where even pedestrians on footpaths or in designated public spaces are fatally injured, said HC.

Rash and negligent driving has reached a level where even pedestrians on footpaths or in designated public spaces are fatally injured, said HC.

The Kerala High Court on Monday noted that 40,821 road accidents were reported in the state till October 2024, resulting in 3,168 deaths and injuries to 45,657 individuals. The Division Bench of Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S made the observation while hearing a contempt petition filed against CPM State Secretary M V Govindan over a recent party meeting in Thiruvananthapuram that allegedly blocked public roads.

Quoting Kerala Police statistics, the court highlighted the alarming rate of accidents, pointing out that rash and negligent driving has reached a level where even pedestrians on footpaths or in designated public spaces are fatally injured.

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The court, considering the situation, also expressed its intent to examine whether suo moto contempt proceedings should be initiated against those responsible for organising such events. It remarked, “Those attending a public meeting on a stage set up on a public road must face the consequences. Organisers and participants alike will be held accountable.”

The case pertains to an incident on December 5, when Left activists allegedly obstructed the Uppidamoodu-Vanchiyoor road near the Vanchiyoor court complex and police station, causing inconvenience to pedestrians and vehicular traffic. N Prakash, a resident of Ernakulam, filed the contempt plea.

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The matter was scheduled for further consideration on December 18, reported LiveLaw.