The Kerala High Court has strongly criticised reckless driving by private buses and the failure of civic authorities to provide safe pedestrian pathways following the death of a 28-year-old woman, Akshara, in a bus accident at Kakkanad, Kochi.
Justice Devan Ramachandran made the observations on November 6 while hearing petitions concerning road conditions and public safety in Kerala. The Court examined footage of the fatal accident, expressing anguish over the failure of authorities to prevent such incidents.
The incident involved a private bus that knocked down Akshara while she was walking along the extreme edge of the road near Kakkanad. The Court noted that the location lacked a proper footpath, leaving pedestrians exposed to moving traffic.
Expressing strong displeasure over the conduct of private bus drivers, the Court remarked:
"These drivers are not the Lords of the streets... They are the Yamas on the streets now."
The Court questioned why pedestrians were forced to walk on roads because of missing or encroached footpaths. It also criticised the Kochi Corporation for failing to ensure that existing pedestrian pathways remained accessible.
The Court warned that the Corporation could face contempt proceedings over its failure to address the situation. It also referred to the Supreme Court's recent recognition of the right to pedestrian pathways as a fundamental right.
Emphasising the need for preventive action rather than merely responding to accidents, the Court observed:
"Action after an accident is merely an afterthought. What is necessary is the will and the commitment to avoid it."
During the hearing, Kochi Deputy Commissioner of Police Arun K. Pavithran informed the Court that the police were introducing a Smart ID system using QR codes for employees working in public transport vehicles.
The system is intended to help monitor drivers and other employees. The police also assured the Court that steps would be taken to restore non-functional surveillance cameras and strengthen action against reckless driving.
The Court directed the police to bring every private bus driver under the proposed system within a week. It further recorded the assurance that violations could be reported to the Motor Vehicles Department for appropriate action, including cancellation of permits.
The Court directed that the Traffic Eye complaint number, 6238100100, must be prominently displayed on private buses so that citizens can report reckless driving.
Taking note of the assurances given by the police and the Kochi Corporation, the Court granted the authorities time to implement the proposed measures and improve pedestrian safety.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 13, 2026.
Case Details
Case Title: C.P. Ajithkumar & Anr. v. State of Kerala & Ors.
Case Number: W.P.(C) No. 32680 of 2008
Judge: Justice Devan Ramachandran
Decision Date: November 6, 2026
