Size, font, colour, placement, timeline: Supreme Court quizzes FSSAI on warning labels

Dr. Jothydev Kesavadev, a diabetes specialist and researcher, has taken India's seat belt issue to the Supreme Court. He believes that the failure to enforce seat belt use continues to put people's lives at risk. Kesavadev, who has traveled extensively across India for medical lectures and research, noticed that seat belts were often not functional in the back seats of vehicles.

This issue typically arose after vehicle owners installed additional seat covers over the original upholstery, which could bury the seat-belt buckle or socket, making it difficult for passengers to locate and use them. Even drivers sometimes had trouble retrieving the buckle. Kesavadev believes that car owners are more focused on protecting their vehicles than ensuring passenger safety.

He argues that many deaths in road crashes could be prevented through basic safety measures like seat belts. In his plea to the Supreme Court, Kesavadev highlighted the dangers faced by children and the importance of age- and size-appropriate restraint systems for them. He also emphasized the need for effective enforcement of the law, similar to how helmet enforcement is carried out.

The Supreme Court has now ordered the government to implement the necessary measures for seat belt enforcement. Kesavadev hopes that increased awareness through the media will help turn the issue into a public concern, particularly among taxi and cab drivers.