Kerala High Court Orders Special Squads to Tackle Rising Hit-and-Run Cases

The Kerala High Court on Monday directed the State Police Chief to form special squads in every district to track and apprehend offenders in hit-and-run cases. The court expressed concern over the increasing number of such cases remaining unresolved due to lack of attention by law enforcement agencies.

A Single Bench of Justice G. Girish was considering a batch of petitions from victims in Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram, who sought directions for high-ranking police officials to investigate the offending vehicles and drivers responsible for severe casualties.

The court also noted the “ineffectiveness” of the Compensation to Victims of Hit and Run Motor Accidents Scheme, 2021, introduced by the Central government. The Supreme Court had earlier found the compensation amounts for death and grievous injury inadequate and directed the Centre to consider raising them gradually.

The High Court issued directions to generate wide public awareness about the functioning of the special squads and asked the Centre to modify the scheme and bring in necessary legislation for the benefit of victims.

The court held that success in tracking offenders depends on timely and coordinated police action, and urged the use of latest technologies in telecommunication and forensic science. It observed that some cases may be deliberate attempts to endanger life.

To fund compensation, the court suggested that the government look into systems in other countries and amass funds from fines under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act, or levy a cess on registration fees, permit fees, licence fees, and insurance premiums, regulated by a statutory body.