J&K court issues notice to tehsildar over unauthorised use of beacon light on official vehicle

A court in Kashmir has issued a show-cause notice to a tehsildar asking him to explain why appropriate legal action should not be initiated against him over unauthorised use of a red beacon/warning light and multiple-toned siren on his official vehicle.

Special Mobile Magistrate (Traffic) Shabir Ahmad Malik passed the order on an application filed by one Muzaffar Ahmad through advocates Sajad Mohi-ud-din and Haroon Rashid.

After examining the application and examining the material placed on record, the Court observed that a prima facie case was made out warranting an inquiry into the factual position.

The Court directed SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir to physically inspect the official vehicle belonging to tehsildar Tariq Ahmad Sheikh and ascertain whether his vehicle is fitted with a red/blue beacon light and/or multi-toned siren.

The Court further directed that if an unauthorised beacon or multiple-toned siren is found, the inspecting authority shall immediately seize/remove the same and initiate action under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 and other relevant law.

The applicant alleged that the tehsildar, who is posted in Sopore, was using a red beacon/warning light and multi-toned siren on his official vehicle in violation of Rules 108 and 119 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 and relevant notifications.

The applicant relied upon the Supreme Court’s observations in Abhay Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh, wherein unrestricted use of beacons by public officials was deprecated in the context of curbing VIP culture and maintaining the rule of law.

To support the allegations, the applicant placed screenshots and a link to a Facebook video, showing the tehsildar giving a media interview from his official vehicle.

The Court has listed the matter for further consideration on September 10.