Madhya Pradesh High Court Seeks State's Response In PIL For Effective Implementation Of Motor Vehicle Laws

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has sought response of the State Government in a public interest litigation seeking effective implementation of the Motor Vehicle laws in the State.

Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Pranay Verma issued notice on the plea filed by a law student, Hrishikesh Jaiswal and directed the respondent authorities to file reply within six weeks.

The plea raises three questions as regards the issues concerning implementation of motor vehicle laws. First, placement of boards and number plates on vehicles being contrary to the provisions of law; Second, pasting stickers on the vehicles and Third, placing hooter or siren.

"It has now become a tendency or a regular practice by owners of motor vehicles to alter the registration number plates of their vehicles by placing other boards on or adjacent to these number plates. These boards read the designation (Government/Private) such as Government of Madhya Pradesh; Government of India etc., professions like Advocate, Judge, Magistrate, Doctor, Sarpanch and Press etc., caste names such as Brahmin, Rajput, Jat, Gurjar and Thakur etc, communal and religious symbols," the plea adds.

It has thus been stated that the use of improper number plates is in contravention to the rules made in Motor Vehicle Driving Rules, 2017, as well as Rules 50 and 51 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989.

Stating that a siren is a warning device which is used by fire engines, ambulances and police cars, the plea adds that there is a delinquency which is seen by the members of political parties, ministers and members from religious organizations.

"Rule 119 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 as well as M.P. Motor Vehicles Rules, 1994 Rule 185, are prohibiting the placing of multi torn horns such as the hooter and sirens on vehicles," the plea adds.

Case Title: Hrishikesh Prakash Jaiswal v. State of Madhya Pradesh & Others

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