Cong leader cuts b’day cake on road, defies HC warning

Raipur: A Congress leader in Raipur cut a cake on the road to celebrate his birthday, defying the Chhattisgarh High Court's strict stance on such acts. In a recent hearing on a similar case, the court directed the chief secretary to submit a personal affidavit, calling it "shocking" that such incidents occur in the state capital while traffic authorities remain "irresponsible and helpless." Ten days after the court's order, a similar incident involving the Raipur district Congress President has surfaced.The Youth Congress district president, Vinod Kashyap, celebrated his birthday on Sunday night by cutting a cake in the middle of the road. His supporters set off fireworks on Sunday night and then cut the cake amidst the commotion. The case is from the DD Nagar police station area.Earlier, the Congress members attempted to cut the cake at Jaistambh Chowk, from where police chased them away after giving a warning. They then went to Sundar Nagar Chowk.Raipur SSP Lal Umed Singh said that an FIR was filed and the Youth Congress district president and others were arrested. However, they are on bail now.Meanwhile, the Chhattisgarh High Court has expressed strong displeasure over a recent incident, calling it a "mockery of law and order." Taking suo moto cognizance, the court criticised the police's handling of the situation and directed the Chief Secretary of the state to file a personal affidavit explaining the actions taken and proposed to prevent such occurrences in the future.The incident involved a businessman and his son who allegedly blocked traffic near Raipura Chowk in Raipur to celebrate the son's birthday. Videos circulating on social media showed cars parked haphazardly, with five cakes placed on a vehicle's bonnet, and a fireworks display. The celebrations caused a significant traffic jam, with vehicles lined up and unable to pass.The High Court bench, headed by Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha, expressed shock that such an incident could occur in the state capital. The court questioned the apparent inaction of the traffic police, stating it was "beyond understanding" why immediate and stringent action wasn't taken against those involved. The judges emphasised that roads are public property, not personal property, and that the individuals involved acted as if they owned the space.The court further criticised the state's response to the incident. The Additional Advocate General informed the court that a mere Rs 300 fine was imposed on the vehicle owner under the Motor Vehicles Act. The High Court deemed this punishment wholly inadequate, calling it an "eyewash". The judges stated that such lenient action would only embolden others to commit similar offences. They highlighted the potential danger of such celebrations, noting that emergency vehicles could be delayed, potentially with fatal consequences.The court remarked that the police seem to apply the law differently depending on the social standing of the offender, acting tough on the poor and helpless but leniently on the wealthy. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on Feb 20, after an initial extension was granted during the hearing on Feb 2 and 6 respectively. The court has also noted that an FIR under relevant sections of BNS, 2023, was filed against the vehicle owner and others involved in the incident.