Headlines
Centre-State showdown over traffic fines, matter reaches AG
New Delhi, Sep 21
The issue of hefty fines imposed on traffic violations under the new Motor Vehicle (MV) Act has snowballed into a major showdown between state governments and the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH). The disagreement over the fines between state governments and MORTH has now reached the office of Attorney General K.K. Venugopal, the Centre's chief legal advisor.
Top sources in the Union Law Ministry revealed to the media that a legal opinion has been sought from the Attorney General on the powers of State government to defer enforcement of a Central legislation. Besides, opinion has also been sought on the issue of reduction of fines by the state government.
Several state governments including BJP-ruled Gujarat government have postponed the enforcement of the new MV (amendment) Act amid uproar in public over hefty fines on traffic violations. Moving a step further, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani announced reduction in penalties for 18 compoundable offences. For instance, under the new law, driving a vehicle without Driving Licence can invite a fine of Rs 5,000 while driving despite disqualification can impose a fine of over Rs 10,000.
Sources said that Rupani's decision to defer enforcement of new MV Act was followed by other states including Delhi, Uttrakahand, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, MP etc. Subsequently, Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways led by Nitin Gadkari sought a legal opinion from Law Ministry to ascertain whether state governments were competent enough to defer the date of enforcement of a Central law passed by both the houses of the Parliament.
Top brass at the MORTH was also keen to know from Law Ministry that whether the state governments can reduce the fines. Sources said that keeping in mind the complicated issue of fines, the Law Ministry further sought opinion of the Attorney General to clarify the legal position on the matter.
In view of the forthcoming assembly election next year, Delhi government was initially hesitant to issue a notification on the new MV Act. The widespread strike of taxi and auto drivers in the NCR on Thursday also made enforcement of hefty fines a bit difficult to impose. Meanwhile Union Minister Nitin Gadkari reiterated on Friday that heavy fines under the new MV Act would act as a deterrent in large scale violation of traffic rules in the country.
Top sources in the Union Law Ministry revealed to the media that a legal opinion has been sought from the Attorney General on the powers of State government to defer enforcement of a Central legislation. Besides, opinion has also been sought on the issue of reduction of fines by the state government.
Several state governments including BJP-ruled Gujarat government have postponed the enforcement of the new MV (amendment) Act amid uproar in public over hefty fines on traffic violations. Moving a step further, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani announced reduction in penalties for 18 compoundable offences. For instance, under the new law, driving a vehicle without Driving Licence can invite a fine of Rs 5,000 while driving despite disqualification can impose a fine of over Rs 10,000.
Sources said that Rupani's decision to defer enforcement of new MV Act was followed by other states including Delhi, Uttrakahand, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, MP etc. Subsequently, Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways led by Nitin Gadkari sought a legal opinion from Law Ministry to ascertain whether state governments were competent enough to defer the date of enforcement of a Central law passed by both the houses of the Parliament.
Top brass at the MORTH was also keen to know from Law Ministry that whether the state governments can reduce the fines. Sources said that keeping in mind the complicated issue of fines, the Law Ministry further sought opinion of the Attorney General to clarify the legal position on the matter.
In view of the forthcoming assembly election next year, Delhi government was initially hesitant to issue a notification on the new MV Act. The widespread strike of taxi and auto drivers in the NCR on Thursday also made enforcement of hefty fines a bit difficult to impose. Meanwhile Union Minister Nitin Gadkari reiterated on Friday that heavy fines under the new MV Act would act as a deterrent in large scale violation of traffic rules in the country.
45 minutes ago
OICC global president: IOC terms K. Sudhakaran’s action flouts party norms and protocols.
12 hours ago
Police arrest protesters at Columbia University, clear occupied building
12 hours ago
Blinken arrives in Israel to push for Gaza truce deal
12 hours ago
Israeli PM vows ground attack on Rafah 'with or without' deal with Hamas
13 hours ago
Prof Dr Vishwanath D Karad, eminent Indian educationist, reaffirms his commitment to walk on the pathway shown by Swami Vivekananda in Fullerton Hall, Chicago 130 years ago!
13 hours ago
The Federation of Indian Associations of Chicago celebrates Holi, Festival of Colors, with fervor and enthusiasm.
13 hours ago
AAPI Charitable Foundation in Collaboration with Embassy of India in Guatemala Organizes Healthcare Camps
13 hours ago
Famous Kavis from India enthrall the audience with laughter and poetry
13 hours ago
Secretary of Tripura's prominent club shot dead, one arrested
13 hours ago
Gujarat AAP Secretary demands action following murder of retired police couple in Himmatnagar
13 hours ago
Telangana’s richest candidates battling it out in Chevella
13 hours ago
Senior IPS officer Satish Golcha gets interim charge as DG prisons in Delhi
13 hours ago
After quitting Congress, ex-Punjab MLA Dalvir Singh Goldy joins AAP