AMN
The Kerala High Court today directed the State Police and Transport Department to take stringent action against alterations and violations by contract carriages and other vehicles in public places, posing threat to the safety of passengers and other road users.
The Court directed that vehicles found flouting Motor Vehicles Act and safety norms should be prevented from plying further while suspending its fitness certificate and the driver’s driving licence forthwith.
A Division Bench comprising Justices Anil K Narendran and PG Ajith Kumar was considering the suo motu proceedings initiated by it in the wake of the accident at Vadakkancherry in Palakkad district last week which claimed the lives of nine persons including five students and a teacher.
The court also directed that proceedings should be initated against vehicle owners, agencies who carry out alterations like flashing lights and high power audio systems, and vloggers who promote the operation of such contract carriages.
It said, the concerned departments should take action against the head of educational institutions and teachers if they were found to be utilising the services of such vehicles for study tour purposes.
The Division Bench will consider the matter again on the 14th of this month.