Meghalaya High Court directs state to take action against overloading of vehicles
The Meghalaya High Court has ordered the state government to promptly address the issue of overloading of vehicles on principal arterial routes in the state.Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Diengdoh were on the panel of judges who heard the case. expressed concern over the lack of functional weighbridges and the brazen operation of heavy metal-bodied trucks without any checks in place.
The Meghalaya High Court was informed by the State that there were only 16 functional weighbridges in the entirety of the State, and that by the end of the month, the number of functional weighbridges would be increased to 23. However, the Court was dissatisfied with the State’s inactions and observed that vehicles carrying boulders and sand were often overloaded and operated without registration plates in several parts of the State.
According to the Meghalaya High Court, the trucks carrying overloaded boulders were highly risky and could cause severe damage if they were to brake suddenly. The boulders on top could fall off and crush smaller vehicles or even cause fatalities by hitting pedestrians. The Court also expressed concern about the local administration turning a blind eye to the issue.
Taking into account the seriousness of the situation, the Court instructed that all Superintendents of Police in every district be informed and properly guided to inspect, even based on the physical appearance, the overloaded trucks.The Court hoped that some actual steps would be taken on the ground in this regard, and a report filed when the matter appears next four weeks hence.
The Meghalaya High Court scheduled a hearing on the matter for May 03, 2023.
Overloading of vehicles has been a persistent issue in many states in India, and the lack of proper enforcement of weight limits has resulted in several accidents and fatalities. The Meghalaya High Court’s directive to the State is an important step towards ensuring the safety of all road users and reducing the incidence of accidents caused by overladen trucks. It is hoped that the State will take the necessary action to address this issue promptly and effectively.
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