MADRAS HIGH COURT QUASHED THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT'S 2018 NOTIFICATION OF INCREASING SPEED LIMITS

The Madras High Court bench of Justices N Kirubakaran (now retired) and V Thamilselvi quashed a notification issued by the Central government on April 6, 2018, by which the speed limit was raised to 100 km/hr on national highways for M1 category motor vehicles and 120 km/hour on expressways. 
The bench passed the order after the central government declined to withdraw the notification despite the Court urging the government to reconsider the notification. 
The Central Government informed the Court that the decision was taken after gaining knowledge about better engine technology and improved road infrastructure. However, the Court remarked that though there is better technology and upgraded road infrastructure, there is no compliance with the road rules by the drivers. 
The bench quashed the notification and directed to reduce the speed limit as per the 2014 notification. 

Author: Papiha Ghoshal