Supreme Court asks Road Ministry to examine poor implementation of seat belt, child safety rules | #childsafety | #kids | #chldern | #parents | #schoolsafey

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (September 9, 2026) said that the high occurrence of deaths and life-altering injuries in road accidents due to deliberate negligence in using seat belts, observing child safety measures and the absence of first aid kits is highly deplorable.

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A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant asked the Union Road Ministry to consider a petition filed by Jothydev Kesavadev, a doctor and researcher represented by advocate Wills Mathews, who said fatalities could be effectively prevented by simple but largely ignored and weakly enforced measures like adherence to seat belts, child seats and rear seat belts required under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

The Court said the issue clearly came within the ambit of the enforcement powers of the Executive, and not within the judiciary’s realm.

“How can the Supreme Court look into the case of every citizen, every driver in the country… For example, we have prescribed a life sentence, for the entire life till death, in murder cases. Has that prevented murder?” Chief Justice Kant asked.

Mr. Mathews submitted that fancy seat covers and other accessories replace safety equipment in vehicles. He said the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution was at stake.

“This is the job of the law enforcement authorities. They have to implement and give effect to the rules,” CJI Surya Kant noted.

Mr. Mathews said his client had sent a representation to the government on February 16, highlighting the issue, but had not received any response.

“I am helpless,” he submitted.

The Bench recorded in its order to the Ministry to receive and examine the records presented by the petitioner.