Supreme Court Makes Tracking Devices Mandatory For Public Service Vehicles

In S Rajaseekaran v. Union of India, the Supreme Court has directed that no public service vehicle will receive a fitness certificate or permit unless vehicle location tracking devices (VLTDs) and emergency panic buttons are installed, verified, and updated in the Vahan database.

The Bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice KV Viswanathan passed the order while hearing a matter related to road safety and accident prevention across India.

The Court expressed serious concern over the poor implementation of Rule 125H of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. It noted that less than 1% of transport vehicles currently have the mandatory tracking devices installed despite the legal requirement already being in force.

Calling the situation “disturbing,” the Court observed that these devices are essential for passenger safety, especially for women, children, and elderly persons. The system can help authorities respond quickly during emergencies through panic alerts and live vehicle tracking.

The Court directed all States and Union Territories to ensure strict implementation of the rule in a “time-bound and verifiable manner.” It further clarified that the installation requirement will apply to both new and existing public service vehicles.

Importantly, the Court ordered retrofitting of VLTDs and emergency panic buttons in public service vehicles registered up to December 2018. Authorities have also been directed to integrate the installation and functioning of these devices with the Vahan database to ensure real-time compliance monitoring.

The directions came after Amicus Curiae Gaurav Agarwal informed the Court about the legal framework governing vehicle tracking systems, including the Motor Vehicles (Vehicle Location Tracking Device and Emergency Button) Order, 2018.

The Supreme Court also raised wider concerns regarding traffic discipline and road accidents in India. Justice Pardiwala pointed to the lack of lane discipline as one of the major causes of accidents in the country.

“How do you ensure in this country that drivers do not do away with lane driving? There is no concept of lane driving in this country. Most of the accidents occur due to that,” Justice Pardiwala remarked.

He further observed, “Lane driving is something which will reduce the accidents considerably. Government must focus on it.”

When the Union government informed the Court that letters had already been sent to States regarding compliance, the Bench stressed that merely issuing communications was not enough and actual implementation was necessary.

The Court also considered a suggestion that vehicle manufacturers themselves should install tracking devices and panic buttons before vehicles are sold. Accepting the suggestion positively, the Bench directed the Union government to hold discussions with vehicle manufacturers and submit a report before the Court.

The judgement is expected to significantly impact passenger safety standards in buses, taxis, and other public transport vehicles across the country.