Kerala High Court Seeks Response From Transport Authorities, Union Road Ministry On Illegal Vehicle Modifications

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (July 14) sought the response of the Transport Commissioner as well as the officer concerned in the Union Ministry of Road Transport regarding the issue of unauthorised light fittings and other modifications on vehicles.

The Division Bench of Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S. today viewed in open court certain video clips showing vehicles fitted with strobe lights—permitted only for emergency service vehicles—as well as other unauthorised fittings.

In one of the videos, a diesel car had a petrol tank fitted inside its trunk and while moving, flame was coming out of the exhaust. In another, there were tri-colour bright lights fitted. 

The development comes in two suo motu initiated petitions highlighting safety issues caused by unauthorised vehicle modifications and fittings.

"The Transport Commissioner, Kerala, shall get a report of the concerned Enforcement Officer, regarding the vehicle referred to hereinbefore...which is fitted with an after-market exhaust system with 'flame- kit', with specific reference to the statutory violations, the violation of safety standards, etc., after collecting the details of the said vehicle, its owner and driver, with the help of the video posted on YouTube," the Court ordered.

It also directed the Registry to save a copy of these videos on pendrive and CD. Further, direction was made to furnish copies of the videos to the Special Government Pleader and Senior Panel Counsel representing the Union Government for getting instructions from officers concerned.

The cases are posted to July 20 (Monday) at 2 p.m. for further consideration.

Case No: WP(C) 25158/2024 and WP(C) No. 25129 of 2024

Case Title: Suo Motu v. Union of India and Ors. and connected case

Click to Read/Download Interim Order