Madras HC Orders Stern Action Against Use Of Stickers Like “Govt Of India”, “High Court” And “Police” On Private Vehicles
The Madras High Court recently recorded assurance of the State authorities to ensure stern action against the erring persons who use stickers and artifacts containing “Emblem”, “G”, “Govt of India”, “Government of Tamil Nadu”, “High Court” and “Police” on their private vehicles. The bench was of the opinion that it is the responsibility of the State authorities to ensure that the number plate stickers of the private vehicles are not in contravention of the Rules, Regulations and Executive Instructions.
A division bench of Chief Justice Sanjay V. Gangapurwala and Justice P.D. Audikesavalu thus observed, “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”.
Advocate Ajay Francis Inigo Loyola appeared for the petitioner, Additional Government Pleader K.M.D. Muhilan, Additional Public Prosecutor R.Muniapparaj appeared for the respondents.
In the pertinent case, the petitioner submitted that a large number of persons are misusing the stickers and other artifacts containing “Emblem”, “G”, “Govt of India”, “Government of Tamil Nadu”, “High Court” and “Police” on private vehicles, without authority. Therefore, through the petition sought directions to be given to the respondents to remove such stickers and artifacts from private vehicles and necessary action be taken against the erring persons.
It is pertinent to note that a Single Judge Bench through an order dated January 5, 2022 inter alia had directed the Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu to issue wide publications through Visual Media and Press Media, providing an opportunity to all concerned to remove all kind of unauthorised usage of Flags, Emblems, Names, Symbols, Stickers, Seals, etc., within a period of one month, from the date of such publication. Further directed to register cases under the provisions of the Act, on expiry of the said period of one month and prosecute the offenders by following the procedures as contemplated under law.
In compliance of the same order the State authorities submitted that orders were issued and actions are being taken against the erring persons. Further informed the Court that so far, 104017 private vehicles have been detected and a fine of Rs.16,56,000/- was imposed on those erring persons.
Noting the directions in the order of the Single judge bench, the division bench was of the opinion that it will take care of the grievance raised by the petitioner in the present writ petition also. Furthermore, while taking the assurance of the State authorities into consideration the bench disposed of the matter.
Cause Title: Dr.Krithika B v. The Addl. Chief Secretary Home Department
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