Karnataka High Court Calls for Tougher Laws Against Two Wheeler Stunts
With instances of two-wheeler stunts rising in the state, the Karnataka High Court (HC) has decided to crack down on offenders. The HC has urged the State government and law enforcement agencies to introduce stricter laws to tackle the dangerous practice of "wheelie-ing" by two-wheeler riders.
Justice V Srishananda, while hearing a bail plea, said the current legal provisions under the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) are not strong enough to control this growing menace. He emphasized that new laws are needed to fill the gap and better protect public safety.
The court observed that young motorcycle riders often perform wheelies—lifting the front wheel while riding—believing it to be an act of bravery. However, these pose serious risks to the lives and health of the rider, pillion, and the public.
Random motorcycle riders pulling off wheelies on public roads, was once limited to the urban areas of the state. However, these days, this has spread to rural areas as well. It has in fact, risen to a nationwide safety concern, as the judge observed.
Justice Srishananda warned that wheeling not only endangers lives but also disrupts public peace. He noted that reckless driving is currently treated as a bailable offence, which limits the police's ability to act effectively.
Calling the rise in such incidents alarming, he said it is now the State’s responsibility to create tougher legal provisions and ensure strong enforcement.
Bail Rejected For Habitual Offender!
The suggestion came during the rejection of bail to one Arbaz Khan, arrested for multiple offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Motor Vehicles Act. Police alleged that Khan and two others were found performing wheelies on public roads, in October 2024. When confronted, they abused, assaulted police officers, and threw a mobile phone into the Tungabhadra canal.
The HC also noted that Khan was a repeat offender and had even injured police personnel during the incident. Despite the charge sheet being filed, the court said it was not enough to justify bail.
Need For Legislative Action
Justice Srishananda stressed that wheeling must be treated as a serious public threat, not just a traffic offence. He called for amendments to both the IPC and Motor Vehicles Act, urging that stringent punishments be introduced to help curb such reckless acts.
The court concluded that it would not use its discretionary powers to grant bail to someone who clearly shows disregard for public safety and law enforcement.
The Cops Are Already Cracking Down On Stunt Riders!
The Karnataka police has already taken two-wheeler stunts seriously. The Joint Commissioner of Bangalore Traffic Police recently made a statement regarding the rising two-wheeler stunts on public roads. He stated that driving licenses and vehicle registration certificates of offenders (and their vehicles) will be cancelled. He also said that the offending vehicles will be seized by the authorities. If an underage driver or rider is found guilty, the vehicle owner's license will be cancelled.
If a person is found performing stunts on public roads, a criminal case will be filed against the offender. The police would also take undertakings from offenders to ensure that the offence isn't repeated!
Nearly a dozen scooters were previously seized by cops in Bangalore. The riders of these were arrested for offences such as dangerous driving/riding, riding without helmet, etc. Most of them were later released on station bail.
Stunt riding has created much agitation among the people as well.