HC directs official to file affidavit on vehicle cases booked

Chennai, Nov 6 (UNI) The Madras High Court has 5 directed the StateTransport Commissioner to file a detailed affidavit in two weeks, mentioning the number of cases booked against trucks, lorries, buses and other heavy vehicles for overloading.

The First Bench comprising the Chief Justice A K Ganguly and Justice F M Ibrahim Kalifulla passed the interim order yesterday on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by K R Ramaswamy alias Traffic Ramaswamy', founder chairman, Tamil Nadu Social Workers Organisation.

In his petition Mr Ramaswamy said heavy vehicles carried materials from Chennai Port Trust to various parts of the state and they were overloaded, which was in violation of the Motor Vehicles Act. Excess loading resulted in bursting of tyres, breakdowns, accidents and traffic congestion, he added.

Even Government transport buses and private buses carried more passengers and luggage than the permitted capacity. Overloaded heavy vehicles were being allowed in residential and commercial towns, which resulted in accidents.

Mr Ramaswamy prayed the court to issue a direction to the respondents 'Chief Secretary, Transport Commissioner and the Director-General of Police' to seize overloaded vehicles.

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