'Law Is Applicable To Everyone': Kerala High Court Directs Government Pleaders To Remove Designation From Number Plates Of Their Vehicles

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday directed all Government Pleaders to remove their designations from the number plates of their vehicles within one week. 

Justice Anil K Narendran while issuing this direction stated, the law is applicable to all, and expected strict compliance thereof.

The Court had earlier issued directions to the effect that law officers and central government should not display the name of the court in the name-boards of their vehicles or exhibit their designation in the number-plates of their vehicles. The Court observed that such display of name of court and designation by government lawyers was against the rules framed under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Government pleader Santhosh Kumar sought to modify the directions on the ground that Rule 92A of the Kerala Motor Vehicles Rules entitled certain authorities to display their designations.

The State was supposed to furnish an action taken report before the Court today. However, the Government Pleader sought two more months for the same citing lockdown restrictions.

However, the Single Bench observed that several vehicles were still permitted in the public space without complying with the directions. The court was not ready to accept the excuse of a pandemic for such violations.

The primary discussion in today's hearing was regarding vehicles belonging to Government Pleaders and judicial members displaying their designation, contrary to the directions issued by the Court. 

To that effect, Justice Narendran directed that the State should file a compliance report showing that all Government pleaders have removed their designations from their vehicles by next Wednesday. 

The Court also looked into the additional issues, such as altering number plates in a way they cannot be identified by the cameras, and numerous vehicles plying on the road with unauthorized nameplates. 

"There are several videos on social media where people can be seen modifying and altering number plates in a way they cannot be identified by the cameras. There are still numerous vehicles with unauthorized nameplates. In fact, I have noticed even some Government Pleaders have their designation written on registration plates", Justice Narendran said.

"I have seen several vehicles right here in the High Court compound with their designation on the number plates. Very recently I came across a White Hyundai with their designation on number plate. It belonged to a Government Pleader. I have also seen Central government counsels with their designation on the number plates as well. Even vehicles belonging to judicial members. This cannot be permitted. Law is applicable to all", the judge added.

The Government Pleader sought a modification of the direction against the display of designation of government counsels in their vehicles.

"We are only using our designation, not the official emblem or the flag. Kindly modify that direction directing government pleaders to not use nameplates. We use our designation on our vehicles for identification purposes", the Government Pleader submitted.

However, Justice Narendran was not inclined and categorically said that the directions have to be complied with.

"There were strict and detailed directions from the Court. They have to be obeyed", the judge said.

"I have noticed several vehicles with sunblocks and curtains parked right in front of the High Court. Notorious criminals are using such vehicles to commit crimes in society. Moreover, I noticed vehicles parked in front of the High Court with garlands to identify political parties. It appears like the authorities are hesitant to take action against them," the Court said.

Strict directions were issued by the Court recently regarding compliance to the provisions of Motor Vehicles Rules to improve road safety in the State. 

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