SC prohibits assigning traffic violators to road duties

KATHMANDU, June 2: The Supreme Court (SC) has issued an interim order preventing individuals charged with traffic violations, such as drunken driving, lane indiscipline, and overspeeding, from being assigned as traffic volunteers.

A single bench of SC Justice Til Prasad Shrestha issued the order on Sunday, directing the government not to deploy any citizen on the roads for traffic rule violations. The SC issued the order in response to a writ petition filed by seven individuals, including Krishna BK, against the Ministry of Home Affairs, Metropolitan Traffic Police Division and the Nepal Police Headquarters. The petitioners argued that such assignments violate citizens' constitutional rights to freedom and dignity.

The writ highlighted that punishments must adhere to the laws under the criminal code, and it is inappropriate to penalize individuals based on discretionary decisions. The petitioners sought an interim order against this practice.

From Wednesday, the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office had begun requiring motorists involved in violations such as drunken driving, lane discipline breach, and over speeding to volunteer on the roads alongside traffic police.

SC has now mandated the government to provide a rationale for deploying traffic violators on road duties.