Kerala High Court asks Kochi police to bring private bus drivers under Smart ID system

The Kerala High Court on Friday expressed serious concern over reckless driving by private buses and the failure of authorities to ensure pedestrian safety, following the death of a 28 year old woman who was hit and run over by a private bus at Kakkanad in Kochi. [CP Ajithkumar & anr v State of Kerala & ors].

Justice Devan Ramachandran was hearing a case concerning road conditions and public road safety in the state.

During the hearing, Kochi Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Arun K Pavithran appeared before the Court online and informed that the police were introducing a Smart ID system with QR codes for private bus drivers and other employees to monitor their activities and violations.

The judge directed the Kochi police to ensure that every private bus driver is brought under the proposed Smart ID system with QR codes to monitor drivers and their violations

"Now you are saying that there will be a Smart ID system with a QR code. Make sure that every driver comes under that system. We will give you a week's time and we will pray to God that until the next one week, nothing happens. That's all we can say," Justice Ramachandran said.

The judge also recorded the DCP's assurance that the police would crack down on reckless driving and take steps to restore dysfunctional surveillance cameras.

Further, the Court recorded his submission that non-compliance with the Smart ID system could be reported to the Motor Vehicle department for cancellation of permits.

Turning to pedestrian safety, the Court criticised the Kochi Corporation for failing to keep footpaths free from encroachments and warned them of possible contempt proceedings.

"Our roads don't have footpaths. Whatever footpaths are there are encroached or parked upon by cars and vehicles. People are forced to walk on streets. The incident that we saw, there is no footpath at all," the Judge added.

The Court, thereafter, recorded the assurance given by standing counsel appearing for the corporation, that they would work with the police to improve the situation.

The directions were passed after the Court examined footage of the accident involving a private bus at Kakkanad in which 28-year-old Akshara was killed while walking along the side of the road.

The Court expressed anguish over the incident, particularly as the woman had been walking along the extreme edge of the road with no proper footpath available.

"What kind of driving is this? When you (drivers) know that there is no footpath, you should anticipate people on the streets. There is no anticipation. They (drivers) drive like maniacs..This is something waiting to happen for every one of us. What is a guarantee you will come home safe? Nothing. Can we have our city like this?" the judge remarked.

Justice Ramachandran questioned authorities on why private buses continued to be driven recklessly despite repeated warnings.

"These drivers are not the Lords of the streets... They are the Yamas (god of death) on the streets now," he added further.

Expressing grief over Akshara's death, the Court observed in its order,

"Action after an accident is merely an afterthought. What is necessary is the will and the commitment to avoid it."

Towards the end of the hearing the Court reiterated that the 'Traffic Eye' complaint number '6238100100' must be displayed prominently on private buses to enable citizens to report reckless driving.

The matter will be heard next on November 13.

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