Tourism Department using backlit boards for dignitaries' cars? Kerala High Court quizzes State

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday sought a clarification on whether vehicles belonging to the State government's Tourism Department has been flouting the law by using backlit name boards and registration plates in cars used to transport dignitaries and authorities [Suo Motu v Union of India & ors]..A Division Bench of Justices Anil K Narendran and Harisankar V Menon noted that the use of such backlit features would squarely violate provisions of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules and relevant safety standards..The Court has now sought a clarification on this aspect."Whether the vehicles owned by the Tourism Department, which are used for carrying constitutional dignitaries and authorities are fitted with backlit name boards in read background and backlit registration plates, openly flouting the requirements of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules and also the safety standards prescribed in AIS-008- Installation Requirements of Lighting and Light-Signalling Devices for Motor Vehicles having more than three wheels?" the Court asked in its July 23 order.The State's counsel sought some time to get the clarification. Accordingly, the Bench granted the special government pleader time till July 30 (Tuesday) to get instructions on this issue. .The Court posed the query while hearing a suo motu case initiated by the Court to check on the unauthorised display of name boards, State Emblems and flashlights in motor vehicles.The case was initiated after the Court found that despite previous directives, enforcement officers and the police had failed to prevent vehicles from using unauthorized name boards, flashlights, and other prohibited items.The Bench noted that such vehicles are often parked on footpaths, obstructing pedestrians, disabled persons, and children."The name boards ‘Kerala State’, ‘Government of Kerala’, ‘Government of India’, etc. are being exhibited in vehicles other than Government vehicles. Such boards are being exhibited even in vehicles owned by statutory bodies, societies registered under the Societies Registration Act, non-Governmental organisations, etc.," the Court added while ordering the registration of a suo motu case. During Tuesday's hearing of the matter, the State counsel informed the Court that one such vehicle flagged by the Court in a previous order dated July 18 was used by the Principal Secretary to government, Industries Department.Meanwhile, the Central government's counsel, NS Dayasindhu Shree Hari sought some more time to get instructions on the efforts to identify another such vehicle that bore a Tamil Nadu registration plate. The matter will be heard next on July 30. .[Read Order]