Think twice before dodging a traffic policeman trying to flag you down, or before throwing your weight around with him. You may end up paying an additional fine of Rs 1,500.
The traffic police have been asked to prosecute motorists who ‘‘misbahave’’ with them in the wake of rising instances of drivers running over cops in an attempt to evade challans, offenders refusing to show documents or needlessly arguing with cops.
The action will be taken under existing provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, which weren’t being invoked till now. Senior officials said Sections 132 and 179 of the act — pertaining to penalties for disobedience of lawful direction by a police officer and misbehaviour with a police officer — will now be actively used by the traffic police to deal with aggressive offenders.
‘‘Directions have been given to all field officers who have the power to prosecute, to use these sections whenever necessary. Those indulging in arguments, refusing to show their documents or trying to use force on policemen will be penalized heavily,’’ said S N Shrivastava, joint commissioner of police (traffic).
Violators will have to pay the challan for misbehaviour over and above the fine for which they have been caught. For instance, someone caught for jumping the light pays Rs 600 as fine. But if the person refuses to show his driving licence or vehicle registration certificate, an additional fine of Rs 500 will be imposed. And if the offender attempts ‘‘verbal or physical assault’’, a further fine of Rs 1,000 will have to be paid, taking the total fine amount to Rs 1,700 for the offence.
In 1 month, 246 booked
With rising cases of drivers misbehaving with the police after being flagged down, the traffic police have taken recourse to impose an aditional penalties of up to Rs 1,500 on offenders.
The traffic police have already booked 246 drivers under the new sections in the past month. Senior officials feel that the move will act as a deterrent for those who routinely misbehave with traffic policemen. In addition to the prosecution, all PCR vans have been alerted to rush to the rescue of a traffic policeman being manhandled by an offender.
The Times of India 17th April 2008 P. 1 New Delhi
With thanks from The Time of India
©All rights reserved with the Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd
For any query:- legalpoint@aol.in
1 comment:
The arguement is usually about the fine amount. So how is the person going to be controlled by increasing the fine amount?
Post a Comment