Spoiled Rich Kids Filmed Stunts Blocking National Highway | Chhattisgarh High Court Slams Police Inaction, Seeks Chief Secretary’s Affidavit Over Lax Action And Lawlessness
Sanchayita Lahkar
The High Court of Chhattisgarh Division Bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru has directed the Chief Secretary of the State Government to file a personal affidavit following a disturbing incident of public nuisance on a National Highway. Taking suo moto cognizance based on a media report, the court took note of a recent episode involving a group of affluent youths performing stunts with high-end vehicles on the highway, creating a traffic jam and endangering public safety.
The court, which had already listed the matter for hearing on a later date, advanced the hearing after another similar incident came to its attention through a Hindi daily newspaper report. Observing the lenient action taken by police authorities in response to this serious disruption, the Bench has expressed concern about recurring episodes of road mischief by individuals from well-to-do backgrounds. The Bench found the response of the law enforcement authorities inadequate and indicative of a broader law enforcement failure. As a result, the court deemed it appropriate to call for a detailed affidavit from the Chief Secretary and fixed the next date of hearing.
On 21 July 2025, the High Court of Chhattisgarh took up the matter earlier scheduled for 07 August 2025 after a suo moto cognizance was taken of another incident of road nuisance. The court had originally taken cognizance of a similar occurrence on 04 July 2025, where the wife of a Deputy Superintendent of Police was reportedly involved in road mischief. However, the present matter arose after a fresh report published in the Hindi daily Haribhoomi on 20 July 2025 titled, “jhy cukus us’kuy gkbos tke fd;k 6 dkj lokjksa ij 2&2 gtkj tqekZuk”.
According to the news report, a video went viral on social media showing six affluent youths riding in multiple black Toyota Fortuner vehicles performing stunts on Ratanpur National Highway. The group had arranged for videographers and artificial lighting, and had parked their vehicles in a row in the middle of the highway, thereby obstructing traffic. As a result, significant traffic congestion occurred, causing delays and frustration among commuters.
The video, later uploaded as a reel by Vedant Sharma, the son of Vinay Sharma, garnered widespread attention and provoked public discussion. The police responded by imposing a fine of Rs. 2,000 per car. Additionally, a letter was reportedly sent by the police to the Regional Transport Officer recommending the cancellation of the driving licenses of the involved individuals.
This incident followed the earlier one involving the Deputy Superintendent’s wife, and the court had already issued directions in that context to the Chief Secretary to look into the matter. Despite this, another similar event occurring within weeks prompted the court to urgently advance the hearing date.
The Division Bench recorded that "Time and again, such incidents of mischief on the road by not only illiterate people but also from the people belonging to educated and well to do background is coming to light." It expressed concern over the recurring pattern of lawless behaviour irrespective of educational or socioeconomic status.
The court further stated in its order, "Nuisance on the roads not only puts the life of such people in danger but also the life of the other people passing through the said roads." Stating the gravity of the offense, the Bench found that the reckless actions extended beyond individual risk and posed a broader threat to public safety.
Addressing the conduct of law enforcement, the court recorded that "The response/action of the Police is also very disappointing especially when any spoiled rich kids or affluent persons are found indulged in acts like the present one." The order went on to say that "These youngsters have been let off by the Police very easily by mere imposing fine of Rs. 2000/- which would hardly make any difference for them."
The court underscored the need for more stringent legal action when individuals demonstrate blatant disregard for the law. It recorded, "When such people do not have any fear of the law of the land, the Police was required to take stern action against them."
Furthermore, the order criticized the failure of the police to seize the vehicles or register appropriate criminal offenses under applicable laws. "The police did not bother to seize the vehicles involved in the act, and as per the news report, no offence has been registered against them under the relevant provisions of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Motor Vehicles Act or the National Highways Act, 1956 despite the offenders causing mischief by rendering the National Highway impassable or less safe for travel for other general public."
The court concluded that the police appeared "helpless and their helplessness would lead to lawlessness in the State." This observation reflects the court’s dissatisfaction with the state’s enforcement mechanism in addressing public endangerment through road mischief.
In view of the above, the Division Bench recorded in its final direction, "In such circumstance, we deem it appropriate to direct the Chief Secretary, Government of Chhattisgarh, to file his personal affidavit in the matter."
The court reiterated its earlier scheduling by recording, "Let this matter be listed on 07.08.2025, as directed on 10.07.2025.".
Advocates Representing the Parties:
For the State/Respondents: Mr. Prafull N. Bharat, Advocate General assisted by Mr. Y.S. Thakur, Additional Advocate General and Mr. Shashank Thakur, Deputy Advocate General
Case Title: Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation v. State of Chhattisgarh & Others
Case Number: WPPIL No. 21 of 2025
Bench: Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru
