Are 6 Airbags Essential in Every Car? Supreme Court Declines to Intervene, Says It's a Policy Matter

In a significant ruling on 24 July, the Supreme Court of India declined to make six airbags mandatory in all passenger vehicles, emphasizing that such decisions fall within the purview of government policy. The bench, led by Chief Justice B. R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, stated that the court cannot intervene in matters of policy and advised the petitioner to approach the government directly with their concerns.

Court Refuses to Mandate, Points to Policy Domain

The Supreme Court's decision has reignited the national debate on vehicle safety standards. While a growing number of citizens and safety advocates have demanded the inclusion of more airbags in vehicles to reduce fatalities in road accidents, the court maintained that judicial overreach into policy decisions is inappropriate. The bench reiterated that framing such standards is the exclusive responsibility of the government, and courts should not substitute their own views on such issues.

Background of the Petition

The petitioner, who had already filed a representation with the government on May 17, argued that not mandating six airbags in cars was a violation of fundamental rights under Article 14 (equality before the law) and Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty) of the Indian Constitution. The plea stated that passenger safety should be prioritized and made uniform across car segments, regardless of price.

Government Had Already Proposed Six-Airbag Rule

It’s worth noting that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) had previously announced that six airbags would be mandatory in M1 category vehicles (passenger vehicles with up to 8 seats) from October 1, 2022. However, implementation was deferred due to pushback from auto manufacturers citing cost concerns and market readiness.

Industry Reactions: Maruti’s Price Hike

Shortly before the court’s decision, Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest carmaker, announced a 0.8% price increase in its XL6 model, explicitly attributing the hike to the addition of six airbags. This move reflects the broader concern among manufacturers that mandatory safety features like airbags could lead to a rise in vehicle prices, potentially affecting affordability in the price-sensitive Indian market.

Final Word from the Court

While dismissing the petition, the Supreme Court made it clear that if the government has already received the petitioner’s application, it is duty-bound to consider the matter within its policy framework. The ruling sends a strong signal that courts will not dictate or enforce technical specifications, and that citizens must engage with the executive for policy reforms.