Apex court restrictions on use of red beacons
SHILLONG: The Megh-alaya Chief Minister’s disregard for restricting the use of red beacons in Government vehicles comes in conflict with the Supreme Court order limiting the use of red beacons and sirens only to the constitutional heads.
When a question was asked on the Government’s action on the misuse of red beacons in Government vehicles on Tuesday on the sidelines of the Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma remained non-committal.
However, the stand of the Chief Minister may invoke contempt of court if the State does not follow the instructions of the Supreme Court.
Different from the views of the Chief Minister, a political department official said that the police and the transport department had been asked to act on the Supreme Court order and also make a list of those who can use the read beacons and sirens. The law department has also been consulted to define constitutional heads.
However, many ministers and officers still continue to use red beacons.
Strangely, though police had been asked to take action as per the Supreme Court order on red beacons, DGP PJP Hanaman has been seen moving with red beacons and sirens accompanied by escort .
While some lower level officials had removed red beacons from their vehicles, Senior officials including the Chief Secretary WMS Parait are yet to remove the red beacons from their official vehicles.
When contacted, the Transport Minister HDR Lyngdoh said that he is yet to get the copy of the order of the Supreme Court on the matter.
