Bengaluru, May 14 – The Karnataka High Court has strongly advocated for the introduction of stricter laws to tackle the growing menace of 'wheeling', a dangerous motorcycle stunt where riders lift the front wheel while in motion.
Justice V Srishananda, presiding over a bail hearing, expressed concern that the existing legal framework does not sufficiently deter such reckless acts. He pointed out that current provisions, which allow only for charges under negligent or rash driving, are bailable and inadequate in dealing with the seriousness of the offence.
Court Calls for Legislative Action
In a strongly worded statement, the High Court urged the state government and law enforcement authorities to enact specific statutory provisions and enforce stringent measures against wheeling, citing a sharp rise in such incidents.Justice Srishananda highlighted the risks posed by wheeling not only to the rider and pillion passengers but also to public safety. He criticized the perception among youth that equates such stunts with bravery, warning that the behaviour threatens public order and peace.
Bail Denied in October 2024 Incident
The observations came during the hearing of a bail plea filed by a man accused of performing a wheeling stunt in October 2024 with two pillion riders. According to police, the stunt ended in a crash during an attempted interception. The accused allegedly resisted arrest, verbally abused officers, caused injuries, and damaged a government-issued phone by throwing it into a canal.Although the petitioner claimed he was falsely implicated due to personal enmity with the police, the court remained unconvinced. The judge also considered the prosecution’s submission that the accused was a repeat offender and had displayed aggressive behaviour during the incident.
The petitioner was represented by Advocate Sadiq N Goodwala, while Government Pleader Girija S Hiremath appeared on behalf of the State.
