Rights vs. Regulation: SC Receives Petition Against Home Minister’s Traffic Violation Punishment

A group of concerned citizens has taken legal action against the decision of Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, challenging the directive to penalize traffic rule violators by mandating them to serve as volunteers on the road. Rabindra Paudel, Akash Kumar Bhatta, Pramesh Paudel, Ujjwal Mali, Imamuel Haqq, and Raju Pariyar have jointly filed a writ at the Supreme Court, aiming to invalidate the directive issued by Minister Lamichhane.

The petition, rooted in constitutional and human rights principles, draws attention to Article 3 and 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as Article 22 of the Constitution, which enshrines the right against torture. The petitioners argue that compelling individuals to perform duties on the streets for minor traffic offenses constitutes a violation of their fundamental rights.

This legal challenge has sparked a debate on the appropriate methods of enforcing traffic regulations while upholding citizens’ rights and dignity.