'FIR against unknown unacceptable when offenders are visible': Chhattisgarh HC raps state govt over viral b’day bash on DSP’s car; seeks affidavit from chief secretary

RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh High Court has directed the Chief Secretary of the state to file a personal affidavit explaining why incidents of public nuisance and road obstruction—particularly birthday celebrations on public roads—continue despite previous court orders.The directive came during the hearing of a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL), which was registered after a recent incident involving the wife of a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) celebrating her birthday on the bonnet of a private vehicle fitted with a blue beacon. The matter pertains to a news report published in The Times of India, Times City, Raipur edition, dated June 19, 2025, titled “Cop’s wife celebrates b’day on official car: FIR mentions ‘unnamed driver’.

”"Despite the efforts made by the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Chhattisgarh, yet another incident of this nature has come to light. The initial response of the authorities, including the manner in which the FIR was registered against an ‘unknown’ person, is unacceptable," stated a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru. The Bench observed that when the woman in the car is clearly visible, the police should have made efforts to identify all those present in the viral video.

The court expressed serious concern over the filing of an FIR against an "unknown driver" when the individuals involved, including the DSP’s wife and her friends, were clearly identifiable in the video. It also sought clarification on the authority under which a blue beacon was mounted on a private vehicle and what action had been taken against those responsible.The incident, which drew widespread attention after the video went viral on June 19, 2025, shows the DSP’s wife cutting a cake on the bonnet of an XUV 700, while other women are seen dangerously hanging out of the doors and sunroof.

The car, reportedly the personal vehicle of a DSP posted in Balrampur-Ramanujganj district, was equipped with a blue beacon. The incident allegedly took place near a hotel in Ambikapur.Following the video’s circulation, the Saragwan police launched an investigation and registered an FIR against the driver under Sections 177, 184, and 281 of the Motor Vehicles Act for traffic violations.This PIL was initially registered on January 29, 2025, following a similar incident in which a road was blocked for a birthday celebration.

At that time, the court had directed the Chief Secretary to file a personal affidavit detailing the action taken and preventive measures implemented.On February 3, 2025, the Chief Secretary submitted an affidavit stating that all Station House Officers (SHOs) in the state had been instructed to prosecute offenders not only under the Motor Vehicles Act but also under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The SHO of DD Nagar Police Station, where the earlier incident had taken place, was also censured.Despite these steps, the court noted on February 20, 2025, that such incidents continued to be reported frequently. Consequently, the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police were directed to submit personal affidavits addressing the presence of any special laws, measures undertaken to curb such activities, public awareness campaigns, traffic management guidelines, action taken against negligent officials, and any further suggestions.On March 10, 2025, the Director General of Police stated in his affidavit that although no special law exists, current legal provisions are sufficient to penalize offenders. A circular issued on February 28, 2025, provided instructions on preventing damage to public property, stopping illegal gatherings on roads, and ensuring the free flow of traffic.Nevertheless, the court noted that a similar incident had occurred on March 2, 2025, despite the circular being in effect. In response, the Chief Secretary’s affidavit dated March 24, 2025, confirmed the issuance of another circular on March 20, directed to various authorities including the Director General of Police and the Transport Commissioner. The circular advised the implementation of public awareness programmes, coordination with police, road safety initiatives, and regular assessment meetings.

It also called for proceedings to suspend or cancel the driving licenses of those involved.