The Karnataka High Court has voiced serious concern over the growing trend of "wheeling" — a stunt involving riding a two-wheeler on its rear wheel — highlighting the lack of specific legal provisions to address this dangerous act.

Justice V Srishananda observed that, under current law, such actions can only be prosecuted under provisions for negligent or reckless driving, which are bailable and insufficient as deterrents.

"Existing statutory provisions are inadequate for enforcement agencies to effectively address the menace of wheeling," the judge noted, adding that legislators may not have envisioned such stunts when drafting the Motor Vehicles Act. He stressed the urgent need for stronger laws, citing the sharp rise in such incidents.

“It is now the bounded duty of the State and its law enforcement agencies to legislate necessary provisions and implement stringent measures to suppress this perilous activity,” the Court stated. It urged the government to consider amending the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and relevant penal laws to specifically outlaw wheeling.

The Court emphasized that young riders mistakenly view wheeling as an act of bravery, unaware of the severe risks involved. Such stunts not only endanger the rider and pillion passengers but also pose a significant threat to public safety and order.

These remarks came while the Court was hearing a bail plea from a man accused of performing a wheelie on a Yamaha motorcycle with two pillion riders in October 2024. When police attempted to intercept them, the bike skidded and crashed. The accused allegedly then clashed with the officers, verbally abused them, and one reportedly threw a police staff member's phone into a canal.

All three were arrested. The primary accused, whose bail plea was earlier rejected by a sessions court, approached the High Court claiming false implication due to personal enmity with the police. However, the Court declined to grant him bail, citing the risks associated with wheeling and the prosecution’s assertion that he was a habitual offender who abused police officials after the crash.

"Mere filing of the charge sheet cannot be considered sufficient grounds for bail. However, the petitioner is free to reapply if there are any significant changes in circumstances," the Court stated.

Advocate Sadiq N Goodwala represented the petitioner, while High Court Government Pleader Girija S Hiremath appeared for the State.