HC seeks measures to curb bikers' stunts

The Delhi High Court Wednesday directed the commissioner of police to appraise it of measures adopted to prevent youths on bikes from performing stunts on roads.

A division bench of acting Chief Justice B.D. Ahmad and Justice Vibhu Bakhru asked the police chief to explain the measures already taken and to be adopted to regulate frenzied bikers performing stunts.

The bench asked the police, the central government and the state government to file a response by Oct 23.

In the PIL filed by Delhi University professor Hari Kishan Dayal, the petitioner said he was aggrieved by the "lawlessness in Delhi and also the vulnerability of men and women in the city".

He said despite claims by the government, "the situation on the ground has not changed since a young woman was gang raped in Delhi. The police continue to be insensitive, the environment in public places, roads and transport vehicles is as unsafe as ever and the criminals have an utter disregard for law".

The plea citing recent newspaper reports said there was chaos on city streets late July 24 night as 2,000 bikers zipped dangerously through traffic and performed stunts resulting in the death of one and injuries to several others, including two policemen who were pelted with stones.

Delhi Police shot dead a 19-year-old boy in an alleged attempt to rein in the bikers in the high-security New Delhi area.

The plea asked the court to direct Commissioner of Police to submit the report regarding preparation for any eventuality in future.

"Every year, these anti-social elements go on the rampage on their bikes. In spite of prior information, the police does not make adequate arrangements to stop them," the PIL said.

"Three years earlier, 19 persons were arrested for creating ruckus in Lutyen's Delhi while performing stunts on their motorcycles," the plea added.

It further sought direction for the police chief to submit the report stating the deficiencies which led to mob frenzy and why it could not be prevented.