Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Action on Highway Safety Concerns Following Fatal Accidents

Landmark Order Highlights State's Responsibility Under Article 21 to Ensure Public Infrastructure Safety

In a significant move, the Supreme Court of India has taken suo motu cognizance of two tragic road accidents that claimed numerous lives due to poor highway infrastructure and unauthorized encroachments. The apex court's action underscores the state's positive obligation under Article 21 of the Constitution to ensure essential public infrastructure for safeguarding lives.

The suo motu writ petition, initiated by the court, addresses the accidents that occurred on November 2, 2025, near Mathoda in Phalodi district, Rajasthan, and on November 3, 2025, on the Mirjaguda-Khanapur road near Chevella in Rangareddy district, Telangana. The accidents resulted in the loss of 34 lives, including a 40-day-old infant, highlighting severe deficiencies in highway safety standards.

The Supreme Court, in its order dated November 10, 2025, criticized the dereliction of duty by concerned authorities and emphasized the state's fundamental responsibility to ensure adequate public infrastructure. Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Vijay Bishnoi, presiding over the case, stressed that the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution extends beyond mere animal existence, encompassing the right to essential infrastructure.

The court noted that the accidents were caused by damaged road conditions, unauthorized roadside encroachments, and lack of basic highway amenities such as street lighting, dividers, and signage. In response, the court has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways to submit comprehensive reports on the conditions of the highways where the accidents occurred, the presence of unauthorized dhabas, and the maintenance norms followed.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Chief Secretaries of the affected states have been joined as parties to the petition to ensure a thorough inquiry and prompt action. The court has appointed senior counsel Mr. A.N.S. Nadkarni as Amicus Curiae to assist in the matter, allowing him to file relevant documents and reports on highway conditions.

This landmark order by the Supreme Court highlights the urgent need for improved highway safety measures and proactive governance to prevent such tragedies in the future. The court's directives aim to hold authorities accountable and ensure that essential infrastructure standards are met, thereby safeguarding the lives of citizens.

The case is scheduled for further hearing on December 15, 2025, marking a pivotal step in addressing road safety concerns on national highways.

Statutory provision(s): Article 21 of the Constitution of India

In Re: Phalodi Accident, (SC) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2807204