judicial intervention highlighting the growing menace of road celebrations and social media stunts, the Chhattisgarh High Court has severely criticized law enforcement agencies for their lenient approach toward affluent individuals who flout traffic regulations. The court’s sharp observations in Court on its Own Motion v. State of Chhattisgarh underscore the urgent need for uniform application of justice, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Case Background: When Birthday Celebrations Block National Highways
The present Public Interest Litigation (PIL) emerged from a disturbing incident reported in the Dainik Bhaskar News App on January 29, 2025. The case involves a birthday celebration conducted in the middle of a road in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, which resulted in significant traffic disruption and posed serious safety risks to commuters. The celebration involved the son of a prominent businessman who owns a supermarket chain, with the businessman himself present during the illegal road occupation.
The incident gained widespread attention after videos went viral on social media platforms, prompting police to initiate an investigation. However, the court’s subsequent observations revealed systemic failures in law enforcement that extend far beyond this isolated incident.
Judicial Censure: Court’s Scathing Remarks on Police Inaction
During the hearing on July 21, 2025, the Chhattisgarh High Court expressed profound disappointment with the police response to road nuisance incidents involving wealthy individuals. The court observed that such incidents of mischief on roads were becoming increasingly common, involving not only uneducated individuals but also those from educated and affluent backgrounds.
The court’s most pointed criticism targeted the inadequate penalties imposed on offenders: “These youngsters have been let off by the Police very easily by merely imposing a fine of Rs. 2000, which would hardly make any difference for them.”
The judicial bench emphasized that road nuisance endangers not only the perpetrators but also innocent commuters, highlighting the broader public safety implications of such irresponsible behavior. The court’s concern extends to the systemic nature of police helplessness, warning that such inaction could lead to complete lawlessness in the state.
Legal Framework: Understanding Applicable Laws
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023: Public Nuisance Provisions
The case directly implicates several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which replaced the Indian Penal Code from July 1, 2024. Section 270 of BNS defines public nuisance as any act or illegal omission that causes common injury, danger, or annoyance to the public or persons residing in the affected area. This provision specifically covers:
- Road obstructions that impede public movement
- Activities disrupting public peace and safety
- Dangerous conditions that may cause harm to the community
Section 292 of BNS serves as a catch-all provision for public nuisance cases not covered by other specific laws, prescribing punishment of fine up to Rs 1,000. However, given the severity and public nature of road celebrations, more stringent provisions may apply.
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988: Traffic Flow Protection
The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, contains specific provisions addressing traffic obstruction. Section 201 deals with “Penalty for causing obstruction to free flow of traffic,” which directly applies to the Raipur incident. The Act recognizes that:
- Disabled or abandoned vehicles creating traffic obstruction attract penalties
- Rule 21, Clause 24 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules specifically forbids abandoning transport vehicles for protests or demonstrations
- Obstruction of traffic flow constitutes a serious offense warranting vehicle seizure and substantial penalties
National Highways Act, 1956: Protecting Critical Infrastructure
The National Highways Act, 1956, provides the most stringent punishment for road-related mischief. Section 8B addresses “Punishment for mischief by injury to national highway,” stating that anyone who renders a national highway impassable or less safe for travel can face imprisonment up to five years. This provision is particularly relevant since the celebration occurred on what appears to be a major roadway affecting public transportation.
