Madras High Court Directs State To Prevent Use Of Stickers Like "Govt Of India", "Police" On Private Vehicles
The Madras High Court recently observed that the state authorities including the Home department, transport department and police are bound to ensure that stickers and artifacts having “Emblem”, “G”, “Govt of India”, “Government of Tamil Nadu”, “High Court”, “Police” are not used on private vehicles. Calling such monitoring a continuous process, Chief Justice...
The Madras High Court recently observed that the state authorities including the Home department, transport department and police are bound to ensure that stickers and artifacts having “Emblem”, “G”, “Govt of India”, “Government of Tamil Nadu”, “High Court”, “Police” are not used on private vehicles.
Calling such monitoring a continuous process, Chief Justice SV Gangapurwala and Justice PD Audikesavalu observed as under,
“Monitoring and survey of such vehicles is a continuous process. The respondent authorities are bound to ensure that the stickers and artifacts containing “Emblem”, “G”, “Govt of India”, “Government of Tamil Nadu”, “High Court” and “Police” and such other institutions, are not being misused and upon detection of the same, action is required to be taken by the authorities.”
The court was hearing a plea seeking directions to the authorities to remove such stickers from private vehicles and to take necessary actions.
The court noted that a single judge of the High Court in 2022 had directed the authorities to issue appropriate circulars to remove all kinds of unauthorised usage of flags, emblems, names, symbols etc.
The court was also informed that following this, a Circular memorandum was issued for implementation of the order. The Additional Public Prosecutor also informed the court that orders have been issued and actions were taken against erring persons. He further informed the court that till date, 104017 private vehicles were detected and a fine of Rs.16,56,000/- was imposed on those erring persons.
Thus, highlighting that the state had the responsibility to ensure that number plates in private vehicles are not in contravention of rules, regulation or executive instructions, the court disposed the plea.
Counsel for the Petitioner: Mr.Ajay Francis Inigo Loyola
Counsel for the Respondent: Mr.K.M.D.Muhilan Additional Government Pleader, Mr.R.Muniapparaj Additional Public Prosecutor Assisted by Mr.C.E.Pratap Government Advocate
Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Mad) 292
Case Title: Dr. Krithika B v The Addl Chief Secretary and Others
Case No: W.P.No.26317 of 2023