Pathanamthitta (Keralam) | Following a direction from the Kerala High Court, the MVD has imposed a Rs 50,000 fine on a modified SUV fitted with unauthorised lights and other alterations, which was used in flood rescue operations in Aranmula last month, officials said on Thursday.
The private vehicle came to the court's notice after two Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) officials in Adoor were suspended for issuing a challan against it for illegal alterations and lack of a pollution certificate while it was returning from a flood rescue operation last month.
The suspension followed a complaint by the Aranmula MLA to the Transport Minister.
However, after protests by MVD officials, the suspension of the two officers was withdrawn.
The incident subsequently came to the notice of a division bench comprising Justices Anil K Narendran and Muralee Krishna S, which was hearing cases related to road safety and illegal vehicle alterations in Keralam.
The bench examined the Transport Commissioner's report on the vehicle and the action taken against it on August 21.
The court found that the MVD Enforcement Wing had imposed only a Rs 5,000 fine on the vehicle despite it being fitted with six unauthorised additional lights.
The bench also observed that the MVD Enforcement Wing and police had failed to take action against vehicles used in public places with wheels projecting laterally beyond the protection provided by the vehicle's body, wings or protective covers.
As per a fresh notice issued by the Pathanamthitta Regional Transport Officer (RTO) to the vehicle owner on September 1, a Rs 20,000 fine has been imposed for installing projected tyres and Rs 30,000 for fitting six illegal lights.
The owner has been directed to rectify the alterations and produce the vehicle before the MVD within seven days, the notice said.
The MVD will file a report before the Kerala High Court when the case comes up for hearing again on September 7, officials said
