Supreme Court Directives Cited in Appeal to Odisha Chief Minister Over Road Hazards

Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Prasad has appealed to Odisha’s chief minister, invoking Supreme Court rulings to press for decisive steps against hazardous parking on highways. In his letter, the former Union Cabinet minister highlighted that the Court’s order in case C No. 9/2025 (Faldo Accident vs NHAI) explicitly links safe highway travel to the fundamental right to life guaranteed by Article 21.

The communication notes that the Court, under Article 142, issued binding interim orders directing district collectors, SPs, and local police to establish 24‑hour monitoring teams, implement automated e‑challan mechanisms, and mobilise a dedicated road‑safety workforce. These measures are intended to remove illegally parked commercial and heavy vehicles that are causing traffic snarls and accidents in mining and industrial zones.

Prasad reminded the state that the Odisha Highway Authority Act, 2025, already provides for stringent penalties—fines of ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 under Section 28 and seizure‑and‑auction provisions for non‑payment beyond thirty days. He urged the chief minister to enforce these provisions without delay, thereby aligning state action with the Supreme Court’s expectations and protecting citizens on the road.

The MP’s appeal underscores a broader call for systematic enforcement, better parking infrastructure, and stricter compliance by logistics operators to stem the rising tide of road mishaps on Odisha’s highways.