The buck stops here

Sanjit Laishram *

Traffic condition in Imphal city sometime in August 2012 :: Pix - Hueiyen Lanpao

The recent Supreme Court ruling on tinted cars windows and compulsory helmets for all two wheel riders is a mockery in our state. As per the Supreme Court orders banned of cars with black film on the front and rear windscreens that blocks light by more than 30% and the tint on the side window panes is more than 50% could be in contempt of court, in addition to being prosecute as per the rules provided under the Motor Vehicles Act whose deadline ends on 4 May, 2012.

Special bench headed by Chief Justice S H Kapadia and Justices A K Patnaik and Swatanter Kumar went by the limits prescribed in the Motor Vehicle Act said anything beyond the visual light transmission (VLT) limit of 70% for the front and rear windshields and 50% for the side windows is punishable as per Indian law.

This ruling was enforced by the Supreme Court after various Public Interest Litigation (PIL) flied by various social workers, individuals, civil society and the police department in various Indian cities. The ever increasing complained that cars with black film on window panes were being increasingly used for crimes that including sexual assault of women is a matter of concern for all. However the court granted liberty to the police officers concerned to grant exemption to VVIPs like those enjoying "Z" and "Z plus" category security.

Court rule to enforced strict regulations and orders crackdown of car owners with tinted glasses and fines for two wheel riders without helmets including the pillion rider. Positive steps has been taken up in various Indian cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Pune, Gurgoan, Nagpur etc, as per laws and court ruling has been enforced after deadline.

But on the contrary no credible steps and action is enforced by the state traffic cops so far. Apart from a few checks point at important junctions at the busy city market area which is also for a few selected days or two. Instead the new order has been a blessing is disguise for the traffic cops to mint a few extra bucks form the unaware offenders. A public campaign and awareness program by the state traffic department on road safety and the benefits of the news regulations should be addressed foremost to general public.

But so far, nothing substantial has been implemented by the state traffic department. Collecting a few hundred bucks form unaware two wheel riders without safety helmets doesn't serves the court ruling.

The need of the hour is a strong action from the state traffic police department, that the regulations of compulsory helmets for two wheel users and removal of black tinted cars is on public interest, safety and security reasons. Stringent measures should be taken up against those defaulters despite repeated deadlines a mere fine of a few hundred rupees is not a solution. Various traffic regulating models implemented in various states and UT's should be put into practice in our state at the earliest.

The example of Delhi Traffic Police who crack down on tinted cars, driving cars without seat belts, rash driving by the freestyle bikers performing deadly stunts on busy roads which are illegal, challan for two wheel drivers without helmets or even canceling driving license is an option that should be apply ASAP. Even harsh penalties like attending court hearing, producing before a magistrate for non bail warrant for repeated offender is a must for the stubborn locals.

The rising crime rate using stolen vehicle, increasing use of vehicle with black tined films by harden criminals and the ever rising road related accident across the country are a serious issues which need to be addressed. Only, public understanding and cooperation by general public can help fight the common cause.

Always remember the saying while you are driving "Someone is waiting for you at home". Till then, drive safe.