The Jammu and Kashmir High Court directed the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, to submit his report regarding the conditions of the Highway/National Highways.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice N. Kotiswar Singh and Justice M. A. Chowdhary heard a Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed pertaining to unsafe road conditions on the Mughal Road and National Highway 44, particularly in the Doda, Batote, Kishtwar and Ramban District stretch. \
It has been highlighted that frequent accidents in these areas have resulted in the loss of many lives, which are preventable if appropriate preventive measures are put in place.
In this regard, the Bench requested the petitioners to suggest preventive measures for the issuance of appropriate directions to the concerned authorities.
The State respondents also should come up with viable solutions, inasmuch as, ensuring road safety falls within the primary responsibility of the State authorities, the Bench directed.
Further the Court said that the Inspector General of Police (Traffic), Jammu, shall submit an account of the measures taken and also required to be taken to prevent these recurring accidents by the next date.
“The Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, shall also submit his report regarding the conditions of the Highway/National Highways in the aforesaid sectors and also offer his own inputs for prevention of accidents.
Considering the importance of urgent nature of the PIL, we list this matter on 05.12.2023 to be taken up in hybrid mode if required”, the order reads.