Public should be self-disciplined, not merely blame officials: HC

The Madras High Court today observed that people should not merely blame officials but instead should be self-disciplined and understand their responsibilities.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Indira Banerjee made the observation when a mention was made by an advocate about the death of a class seven boy who fell down from a state-run corporation bus here.
The advocate said despite the court ordering operation of special buses for the benefit of students, the government had not taken any action and this was the cause of such untoward incidents. He sought permission to file a contempt petition.
Government Pleader T N Rajagopalan submitted that as per news reports the bus was not full and the incident might have occurred because the boy was travelling on the footboard.

Justice Banerjee then referred to the recent death of a pregnant woman after a two-wheeler, on which she was riding pillion, was intercepted by a police personnel. She said it had come to light that the deceased and her husband were not wearing helmet.
The traffic police wanted them to stop for not wearing helmet, but the her husband sped away.
When there was a rule that the riders of two-wheeler should wear helmet, it should be obeyed by the public.
"There is no question of merely blaming police officials but the public should also realise their responsibility and should have self-interest and self discipline. The public and students shall be sensitised in this regard," the chief justice said.