Bhalla sounded on unauthorised parking fees
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 24 2025: Highlighting the rampant unauthorized collection of vehicle parking fees within Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC) areas by unscrupulous individuals, a formal representation has been submitted to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla seeking immediate intervention.

According to a press release issued by Advocate Meihoubam Rakesh Singh, the urgent representation was submitted by complainant Khangembam Shamu- ngou Singh from Thang-meiband Yumnam Leikai and copies of the same have been furnished to the Imphal Municipal Corporation, Superintendent of Police (Traffic) and the Officer-in-Charge, City Police Station.

As per the statement, the complainant has requested the Governor to i) direct the authorities concerned to immediately stop unauthorized individuals from collecting parking fees within IMC areas, ii) instruct the Imphal Municipal Corporation to clarify the status of vehicle parking permits and ensure that only authorized entities manage parking spaces, iii) initiate legal proceedings against those engaging in illegal parking fee collection, iv) implement trans- parent policies for future issuance of parking permits to prevent such irregularities and v) take urgent action to restore order and ensure that the parking system in Imphal is regulated in a fair and lawful manner.

According to information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, permits granted to various organizations for operating parking services within IMC areas have expired.

This includes 21 organisations/parking agents whose parking permits expired between April 21, 2024 and October 13, 2024 .

The unauthorized fee collection has led to arbitrary charges on the public, violating their rights and creating financial burdens.

The lack of valid permits has resulted in a complete absence of accountability, mismanagement and potential misuse of public spaces.

The illegal practice also deprives the Government of legitimate revenue, which could otherwise be used for public welfare, maintained the press release.

Additionally, this illegal collection of parking fees is in violation of Section 318(4) BNS and it directly contravenes the provisions of the Manipur Municipalities Act, 1994 under Sections 74 and 75, which mandate that only the municipal authority can regulate and collect parking fees.

The practice also infringes upon the fundamental rights of citizens under Article 300A of the Constitution of India, said the press release.

In light of these concerns, the complainant requested the Governor to take immediate action against unauthorized collection of illegal parking fees.

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