Governor urged to act on illegal parking fees
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 24 2025: A formal representation has been submitted to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla by one Khangembam Shamungou Singh, urging for immediate action against the unauthorised collection of vehicle parking fees in areas under Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC) .

Copies of the representation have also been addressed to the MC, SP (Traffic), and officer-in-charge of City police station, calling for swift intervention to address the issue.

In statement, advocate Meihoubam Rakesh said the complaint highlighted that permits previously granted to various organisations for handling parking lots within IMC areas have expired.

However, despite the lapse of these permits, unscrupulous individuals continue to collect parking fees, causing undue hardship to the public.

Information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act has revealed that the illegal practice continues unchecked, leading to ar bitrary charges that violate citizens' rights and create financial burdens.

According to the statement, the unauthorised collection of parking fees has also led to mismanagement and a lack of accountability in the system.

Without valid permits, there is a potential misuse of public spaces, and the government is deprived of legitimate revenue that could otherwise be used for public welfare.

"This illegal practice violates Section 318(4) of BNS, which penalises acts of cheating and dishonest inducement," it pointed out, stating that the same also contravenes Sections 74 and 75 of the Manipur Municipalities Act, 1994, which stipulate that only municipal authorities have the legal right to regulate and collect parking fees.

Similarly, the illegal practice infringes upon the fundamental rights of citizens under Article 300A of the Constitution of India, which ensures that no person shall be deprived of their property except by the authority of law, it explained.

The representation - while urging the Governor to direct the authorities concerned to immediately halt the unauthorised collection of parking fees and instruct the Imphal Municipal Corporation to clarify the status of vehicle parking permits - also sought legal action against those involved in illegal fee collection and the implementation of transparent policies for"future permit issuance to prevent such irregularities.

The complainant called for urgent action to safeguard public interests and ensure that the parking system in Imphal is regulated fairly and lawfully.

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